previous / next

libel ~ liable

[slightly first vowel sound]

“Libel” (noun & verb) is ‘an untrue remark of somebody on somebody else; a written or printed statement, picture, etc. that damages somebody’s good name (reputation); a scandal’; and ‘to print or say untrue remark…’,

e.g.

The minister told the people that the news on TV about his involvement in the riots was a blatant lie, and that he was going to sue the news channel for libel.

____________________

“Liable” (adjective) means ‘responsible for doing something or for someone else’s actions, as per the law; often suffering or likely to suffer’,

{Note: the noun form “liability” of the adjective form ‘liable’ is more commonly used in everyday usage to mean ‘the state of being liable/responsible for something’.}

e.g.

Passengers who smoke on public transportation are liable to heavy fines. (i.e. the smokers must pay fines if they are caught smoking on public trains or buses)

She made it clear that she was not liable for her drunkard husband’s wrong doings. (i.e. she was not responsible for the wrong doings of her husband and would not pay any money to anybody related to her husband’s wrong doings)

<<< Back to List L /  Next lie ~ lie ~ lay >>>

<<< Back to main page