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.

   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

1. A reaction, as that of an organism or any of its parts, to a specific stimulus.

2. See more at classical conditioning

Other Word Forms

• responseless adjective
• counterresponse 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

But she said Ultra Violette's response to the scandal was like "a kick in the guts".

From BBC

“In response to audience feedback over the past week, we have implemented a new policy for greater transparency in our interviews,” a CBS News representative said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

Israel's far-right national security minister called for the full occupation of Gaza in response, claiming this was the only way to "bring back the hostages in security".

From BBC

The Times reached out to representatives for Cutler and did not receive an immediate response.

From Los Angeles Times

Death threats and backlash from those in power were regular responses to Oliphant’s work, reactions he welcomed as proof of a job well done.

From Salon

Related Words

• feedback 
• reply 
• return