Reading Theme:
Liable Definition, Usage & Legal Responsibility (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：likely to (liable)
liable
/ˈlaɪəbəl/
adj.
having a high chance of doing something, usually something bad or unwanted.
likely to
➕
/ˈlaɪkli tə/
adj.
Used to indicate a high probability of something happening, often something negative or unwanted.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'ligare' (to bind) via French 'lier'; 'liable' means bound or obligated.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'lie' + 'able': If you tell a lie, you are liable to be caught or held responsible.
📖 Example
If you don't wear a jacket in this cold weather, you are liable to catch a cold.
If you don't wear a jacket in this cold weather, you are very likely to catch a cold.
🔗 Collocations
liable to fail – having a high chance of failing
liable to change – likely to change
liable to injury – prone to getting injured
🔄 Synonyms
prone (adj.) – likely to suffer from or do something undesirable
susceptible (adj.) – likely to be affected by something bad
likely (adj.) – having a high probability of happening
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
liability (n.) – the state of being liable; a legal responsibility or a disadvantage
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'liable' originates from Latin 'ligare' meaning 'to bind,' evolving through legal French into English. It historically refers to being legally bound to fulfill an obligation or suffer consequences, widely used in contracts and courtrooms.
Meaning 2：legally responsible (liable)
liable
/ˈlaɪəbəl/
adj.
legally responsible for something, like paying for damage or facing punishment.
legally responsible
➕
/ˈliːɡəli rɪˈspɒnsəbəl/
adj.
Describes being legally bound to take responsibility for something, such as paying damages or facing punishment.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The company is liable for any injuries that happen to employees while they are at work.
The company is legally responsible for any injuries that happen to employees while they are at work.
🔗 Collocations
be liable for damages – legally responsible to pay for harm caused
hold someone liable – to legally consider someone accountable
liable for negligence – legally responsible due to carelessness
🔄 Synonyms
accountable (adj.) – required to take responsibility for one's actions
responsible (adj.) – having a duty to deal with something or to take care of someone
answerable (adj.) – obliged to explain or justify one's actions
🚫 Antonyms
exempt (adj.) – free from an obligation or liability
immune (adj.) – not subject to a legal obligation or penalty
not guilty (adj.) – not responsible for a crime or wrongdoing
🌱 Derivatives
liability (n.) – the state of being legally responsible; a disadvantage or debt
Wordbook
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