Liable
'laɪ.ə.bəl
Definitions
Legally obligated or responsible, or likely to be affected by something.
'laɪ.ə.bəl
Legally responsible or obligated; likely to experience something.
The store is liable if someone gets injured on their property.
💡 Simply: Imagine you borrow your friend's bike and accidentally break it. You're liable – it's your responsibility to fix or replace it. Or, if you don't wear a coat in the winter, you're liable to get a cold.
👶 For kids: If you are liable, it means you are responsible for something. Like, if you break a toy, you are liable to fix it!
More Examples
You are liable to be disappointed if you expect too much.
Parents are financially liable for their children's actions.
How It's Used
"The company is liable for any damage caused by the faulty product."
"He is liable to catch a cold if he goes out in this weather."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
be liable to
To be likely to experience something, often negative.
"If you don't wear a hat, you are liable to get a sunburn."
From Old French *lier* ('to bind'), from Latin *ligare* ('to bind'). Originally meant 'bound by law' or 'obligated'.
Historically, liable was used in legal contexts, referring to being 'bound by law' or having an obligation. Its usage has expanded to include general probabilities.
Memory tip
Think of a 'lie' that you are 'able' to get away with. If caught, you become liable.
Word Origin
"to bind"