responsibly
Americanadverb
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in a sensible, trustworthy, and prudent way.
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in a way that reflects a duty or responsibility.
Explanation
When you do something in a careful, trustworthy way, you do it responsibly. If you spend your money responsibly, you'll probably be able to save some of it. Acting responsibly is important in life — it's what makes people trust you, and it means you usually do things only after thinking them over and choosing what's wisest or most sensible. You can't get a driver's license until you prove you can drive responsibly. And, before someone hires you to babysit, they'll want to know you act responsibly. The Latin root is respons-, "answerable" or "offered in return."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Venues like Origin can be an important part of that recovery when they are responsibly run and community-minded,” Jurado said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026
Rhodri Williams said water companies needed to prove they are spending customers' money "responsibly"
From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026
Many of you are doing it responsibly, too: The overwhelming majority are taking care of housework or laundry, while running errands was the second-most common piece of personal business being done during professional time.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 30, 2026
On Friday, they urged "everyone to act responsibly and ensure their own safety and that of others".
From Barron's ● Jun. 27, 2026
Anyone may obtain such a license, but still, the powers it grants must be wielded responsibly.
From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
