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liable. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
liable, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
liable in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
liable you have here. The definition of the word
liable will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
liable, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
From Old French lier (“to bind”), from Latin ligare (“to bind, to tie”).
Pronunciation
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, published 1973, § 34:
- 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, 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
Translations
exposed to a certain contingency
(as predicate, with "to" and an infinitive) likely.
- Italian: verb conditional form
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