odgovorno

Odgovorno is an adverb used in several South Slavic languages, most commonly Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian, and Slovenian, to express that an action is performed with care, accountability, and consideration for consequences. It translates roughly as “in a responsible manner” or “responsibly.” The word is derived from the related adjective odgovoran (responsible) and the noun odgovornost (responsibility).

In these languages, odgovorno can modify verbs and verb phrases, indicating the manner of action. For example, in Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian one can say postupati odgovorno (to act responsibly) or donositi odluke odgovorno (to make decisions responsibly). In Slovenian, the adverb is used similarly, as in ravnati odgovorno do okolja (to act responsibly toward the environment).

Context and usage

Odgovorno appears in ethical, professional, and public-discussion contexts, including business conduct, journalism, education, and governance. It often appears in phrases stressing accountability, risk awareness, and long-term impact. The term pairs with related forms such as odgovornost (responsibility) and odgovoran (responsible) to describe people, actions, or policies.

Etymology and related forms

The adverb is linked to the family of words around responsibility: odgovoran (adjective) and odgovornost (noun). This semantic field emphasizes duty, reliability, and conscientious behavior across relevant domains.

See also

Odgovornost, odgovoran, odgovorno ponašanje, odgovorna politika.