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 byto ).

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.

   3. response.

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. 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

Other Word Forms

• responder noun
• respondence noun
• overrespond verb
• unresponding 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

In the last two weeks, law enforcement officers have responded with tear gas and rubber pellets on several occasions.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The president, for his part, initially responded to the pope’s election with praise: “To have the pope from the United States of America, that’s a great honor.”

Read more on Salon

AI tools respond best to clear, structured inputs—exactly what stars naturally provide through their organized work habits.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

One of the most visible ways private-markets investment firms have responded to the challenge of selling their products to regular investors is via ramping up advertising.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

To which Riley curtly responded, “I don’t really care what he says.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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