mindmap root((负责)) responsible implies the holding of a specific or formal office, duty, or trust: the bureau ~ for tax collection. answerable suggests a relationship between one having a moral or legal obligation and an authority charged with oversight of its observance: a fact-finding committee ~ only to the President. accountable suggests the imminence of retribution for unfulfilled trust or violated obligation: in a democracy the politicians are ~ to voters. amenable stresses the fact of subjection to review, censure, or control by a designated authority and a limitation of power: laws are ~ to judicial review. liable implies an obligation under the law to answer in case of default: will not be ~ for his ex-wife's debt; or may suggest merely a contingent obligation: all citizens ~ for jury duty.