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

Protein secretion is a fundamental biological process by which proteins are transported from a cell into the extracellular space, which is crucial for various functions, including communication between cells, immune responses, and digestion.

From Science Daily

The Australian addressed the comments, saying he will include his response in his own book, with a full chapter called "caring about Care".

From BBC

“I recognise in the initial parts of our response, there were times where there wasn't that level of engagement that we need,” he says.

From BBC

For the brand, the move was a calculated risk — and one they aren’t turning away from despite the divided viewer response.

From Salon

"Port Mann in Vanvouver - it's more solid, they have to wait until the ice actually melts - but in terms of that response, safety always has to come first."

From BBC

Related Words

• feedback
• reply
• return