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. See correspond
   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

• reˈspondence, noun
• reˈsponder, 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

That’s the reason that we responded as quickly as we did when we got a letter indicating that there were threats of violence and violence with respect to school officials and school staff.

From Washington Post

That kind of compassion might go a long way toward helping us begin to respond to a hurting world.

From The Daily Beast

The group did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

From The Daily Beast

Democrats need to respond aggressively to the crony capitalism practiced by many Republicans, particularly regarding Wall Street.

From The Daily Beast

If you take too long to respond, people will just keep talking and your chance to speak is lost.

From The Daily Beast

“Then they ask questions and they have time for children to be able to respond as well,” Folan added.

From The Daily Beast

"I'm afraid I couldn't quite manage that, my dear boy," your fond parent would respond.

From Project Gutenberg

In the same way the technical form and mechanism of production were presumed to respond to an automatic stimulus.

From Project Gutenberg

The poor marble statue at his feet can no longer respond to the cries of her famishing child.

From Project Gutenberg

Rosa laughingly approved of this decision, for she was like-minded with her mother, but her father did not respond.

From Project Gutenberg

She did not respond; she did not attempt to soothe him; if ever looks expressed reproach and aversion, hers did then.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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