response

[ ri-spons ]

noun

1. an answer or reply, as in words or in some action.

   Synonyms: rejoinder

2. Biology. any behavior of a living organism that results from an external or internal stimulus.
3. Ecclesiastical.
   1. a verse, sentence, phrase, or word said or sung by the choir or congregation in reply to the officiant. Compare versicle ( def 2 ).
   2. responsory.
4. Bridge. a bid based on an evaluation of one's hand relative to the previous bid of one's partner.

response

/ rɪˈspɒns /

noun

1. the act of responding; reply or reaction
2. bridge a bid replying to a partner's bid or double
3. usually plural Christianity a short sentence or phrase recited or sung by the choir or congregation in reply to the officiant at a church service
4. electronics the ratio of the output to the input level, at a particular frequency, of a transmission line or electrical device
5. any pattern of glandular, muscular, or electrical reactions that arises from stimulation of the nervous system

response

/ rĭ-spŏns′ /

1. A reaction, as that of an organism or any of its parts, to a specific stimulus.
2. See more at classical conditioning

Derived Forms

• reˈsponseless, adjective

Other Words From

• re·sponseless adjective
• counter·re·sponse noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of response¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; from Latin respōnsum, noun use of neuter past participle of respondēre “to reply, answer”; replacing Middle English respounse, from Middle French respons, from Latin, as above; respond

Word History and Origins

Origin of response¹

C14: from Latin rēsponsum answer, from rēspondēre to respond

Synonym Study

See answer.

Example Sentences

In response, Republican senator Mitt Romney said Gabbard had embraced "actual Russian propaganda".

From BBC

McDonald's suspended sales of the Quarter Pounder burger in October in about a fifth of its US restaurants in response to the outbreak.

From BBC

In a response to Expressen, the Liberal party minister confirmed it was phobia, but described the impact it has on her as "sort of an allergy" and "something I'm getting professional help for".

From BBC

“This attack is a response to the Hispanic invasion of Texas,” Crusius wrote.

From Salon

The status quo has failed to protect Crusius’ community, and the logical response was vigilantism.

From Salon

Related Words

• feedback
• reply
• return