respond

[ ri-spond ]

verb (used without object)

1. to reply or answer in words:

   to respond briefly to a question.

   Synonyms: rejoin

2. to make a return by some action as if in answer:

   to respond generously to a charity drive.

   Synonyms: reply, react, rise

3. to react favorably.
4. Physiology. to exhibit some action or effect as if in answer; react:

   Nerves respond to a stimulus.

5. to correspond (usually followed by to ).
6. Bridge. to make a response.

verb (used with object)

1. to say in answer; reply.

noun

1. Architecture. a half pier, pilaster, or the like projecting from a wall as a support for a lintel or an arch, the other side of which is supported on a free-standing pier or column.
2. Ecclesiastical.
   1. a short anthem chanted at intervals during the reading of a lection.
   2. responsory ( def ).
   3. response ( def 3 ).

respond

/ rɪˈspɒnd /

verb

1. to state or utter (something) in reply
2. intr to act in reply; react

   to respond by issuing an invitation

3. intrfoll byto to react favourably

   this patient will respond to treatment

4. an archaic word for correspond

noun

1. architect a pilaster or an engaged column that supports an arch or a lintel
2. Christianity a choral anthem chanted in response to a lesson read at a church service

Derived Forms

• reˈsponder, noun
• reˈspondence, noun

Other Words From

• over·re·spond verb
• unre·sponding adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of respond¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; (for the verb) from Latin respondēre “to promise in return, reply, answer,” from re- re- + spondēre “to pledge, promise”; (for the noun) Middle English: “responsory,” from Old French, derivative of respondre “to reply,” from Latin respondēre

Word History and Origins

Origin of respond¹

C14: from Old French respondre , from Latin rēspondēre to return like for like, from re- + spondēre to pledge; see spouse , sponsor

Example Sentences

Trump’s campaign and Musk’s companies didn’t respond to requests for comment.

From Los Angeles Times

She remembers sitting at the kitchen table doing her homework when her mom fell and Rigelhaupt didn’t respond the way her mom thought she should.

From Los Angeles Times

Initially, the Sheriff’s Department referred all further questions to the Torrance Police Department, which did not respond to a request for comment.

From Los Angeles Times

Robinson did not immediately respond Wednesday to The Times’ request for confirmation.

From Los Angeles Times

How will Trump respond in his second term?

From BBC

Related Words

• acknowledge
• answer
• behave
• come back
• counter
• react
• reply
• return