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

Meanwhile, Somerset Council said their teams had been "busy overnight responding to reports" of more than 30 fallen trees and areas of flooding.

From BBC

We responded to one of the adverts, which claimed to be selling a small tractor for £4,400.

From BBC

The Ghana Revenue Authority and Environment Ministry did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

From BBC

Sinn Féin did not respond to numerous requests for a statement.

From BBC

Long Beach Police Department officers responded to a report of a woman shot at a home in the 900 block of Gaviota Avenue at 11:42 a.m.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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