liable
English
Etymology
From Old French lier (“to bind”), from Latin ligare (“to bind, to tie”).
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈlaɪ̯əbəl/, [ˈlaɪ̯əbɫ̩], [ˈlaɪ̯əbəɫ]
Audio (US) (file) - Rhymes: -aɪəbəl
Adjective
liable (comparative more liable, superlative most liable)
- bound or obliged in law or equity; responsible; answerable.
- The surety is liable for the debt of his principal.
- 1748. David Hume. Enquiries concerning the human understanding and concerning the principles of moral. London: Oxford University Press, 1973. § 34.
- 1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, volume (please specify |volume=I to VI), London: A[ndrew] Millar, […], OCLC 928184292:
- He inveighed against the folly of making oneself liable for the debts of others; vented many bitter execrations against the brother; and concluded with wishing something could be done for the unfortunate family.
- The passion for philosophy, like that for religion, seems liable to this inconvenience
- subject; susceptible.
- This crime is liable to imprisonment for life.
- A man liable to heart disease.
- 1791, John Walker, A Critical Pronouncing Dictionary […] , London: Sold by G. G. J. and J. Robinſon, Paternoſter Row; and T. Cadell, in the Strand, OCLC 37805775, page 211:
- ☞ This word [earth] is liable to a coarſe vulgar pronunciation, as if written Urth; […]
- exposed to a certain contingency or causality, more or less probable.
- (as predicate, with "to" and an infinitive) likely.
- Someone is liable to slip on your icy sidewalk.
Related terms
- liability
- reliable
Translations
responsible
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subject; susceptible.
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exposed to a certain contingency
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(as predicate, with "to" and an infinitive) likely.
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Anagrams
- Belial, Biella, alible, labile