How Do You Spell HOLDS RESPONSIBLE?

Pronunciation: [hˈə͡ʊldz ɹɪspˈɒnsəbə͡l] (IPA)

The phrase "holds responsible" is spelled with six letters and has three syllables: /hoʊldz/ /rɪˈspɑːnsəbəl/. The first syllable contains the diphthong "ow" pronounced as /oʊ/ while the second and third syllables contain a schwa sound /ə/, making it an unstressed syllable. The final letter "s" in "holds" is pronounced as a voiced consonant /z/ because it is followed by a vowel in "responsible". Overall, this phrase is spelled phonetically and can be helpful to those learning the English language.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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HOLDS RESPONSIBLE Meaning and Definition

  1. Holds responsible is a phrase used to describe the act of assigning blame or accountability to a person or entity for a particular action, event, or consequence. When someone or something is held responsible, they are deemed to be at fault and thus are expected to bear the consequences or face penalties for their actions or decisions.

    This phrase implies that the individual or entity being held responsible has control or influence over the matter in question. They are being deemed as the party who should have taken appropriate actions to prevent the negative outcome or who directly caused the negative outcome through their choices or behavior.

    Holding someone responsible entails acknowledging their involvement in a situation and the effects it had, whether intended or unintended. It often involves attributing a certain level of moral, legal, or ethical responsibility to the person or entity, and may result in various forms of punishment, compensation, or restitution in order to address the harm caused.

    The notion of holding someone responsible is crucial in legal and ethical contexts, as it establishes accountability and helps maintain a fair and just society. By assigning responsibility, individuals and organizations are held to certain standards of conduct, ensuring that they act in a manner that aligns with societal norms and expectations, and discouraging behavior that may cause harm or incite negligence.

Common Misspellings for HOLDS RESPONSIBLE

  • holds responsibl e

Etymology of HOLDS RESPONSIBLE

The etymology of the phrase "holds responsible" can be understood by analyzing the origins of each component word:

1. Holds: The word "hold" comes from the Old English word "healdan", which means "to keep, retain, or have in one's grasp". Over time, its meaning expanded to include notions of "supporting", "maintaining", or "reserving". Therefore, when used in the context of responsibility, "holds" refers to the act of having or maintaining responsibility.

2. Responsible: The word "responsible" has its roots in the Latin word "responsus", which means "to answer or respond". It evolved through the Old French word "responsable" and Middle English word "responsible" to convey notions of moral or legal accountability. "Responsible" implies being answerable for one's actions or obligations.