Liable

Definition

Responsible by law; likely to do or to be something.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlaɪəbəl/
• Respelling: LYE-uh-buhl (with "LYE" as in "life," "uh" as in "sofa," and "buhl" as in "bubble")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlaɪəbəl/
• Respelling: LYE-uh-buhl (with "LYE" as in "life," "uh" as in "sofa," and "buhl" as in "bubble")

In both dialects, "liable" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "LYE." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "LYE-uh-buhl."

Etymology

The term "liable" originates from the Middle French word "liable", from the Latin "ligābilis", meaning 'that may be bound', from "ligāre", meaning 'to bind'.

Derivatives

• Liability
• Liable-ness
• Liablehood (less common)
• Nonliable
• Liableship (rare)

Synonyms

• Accountable
• Responsible
• Subject

Antonyms

• Exempt
• Immune
• Unaccountable

Usage

Liable is commonly used in legal contexts to describe someone's responsibility for their actions or for a particular outcome. It can also be used more broadly to indicate a likelihood of experiencing something, usually negative.

Related Terms

• Accountability
• Duty-bound
• Obligation
• Responsibility
• Exemption

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Liable (Adjective): Legally responsible or obligated.
  • Example: "The company is liable for any damages caused by its products."

• Liable (Adjective): Likely to experience or suffer from something.
  • Example: "If you don't take care of your health, you are liable to get sick."