RSVP

American  

[ahr-es-vee-pee] / ˈɑrˈɛsˈviˈpi /

Or R.S.V.P.

verb (used without object)

RSVPed, RSVP'd, RSVPing, RSVP'ing.

1. to reply to an invitation.

   Don't forget to RSVP before Thursday.

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noun

PLURAL

RSVP's

1. a reply to an invitation.

   He sent a lovely bouquet of flowers with his RSVP.

2. (used on an invitation to indicate that the favor of a reply is requested.)

RSVP British  

abbreviation

1. répondez s'il vous plaît

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R.S.V.P. Cultural  

1. Please reply or answer. From the French, “répondez s'il vous plaît,” meaning “respond if you please.”

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Etymology

Origin of RSVP

First recorded in 1895–1900; from French r(épondez) s('il) v(ous) p(laît), “please reply”; respond ( def. ), rendezvous, please

Example Sentences

SpareRoom’s speed roommating events are free with an RSVP, and each person receives two complimentary drinks along with a one month trial of SpareRoom premium.

From Los Angeles Times

Esveld said 70 people RSVP’d but already they think they have 100.

From Slate

Where: The address will be shared upon submitting an online RSVP.

From Los Angeles Times

Louisiana recognized the invitation and quickly RSVP’d.

From Salon

And yet, as the Guardian puts it in an official-sounding way, backing out of a party after someone else has RSVP’d on your behalf is, simply put, very awkward:

From Slate