respond

American  

[ri-spond] / rɪˈspɒnd /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

• overrespond verb
• respondence noun
• responder noun
• unresponding adjective

Etymology

Origin of respond

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

Example Sentences

According to the authors, climate models often simplify or exclude these organisms, which can lead to an incomplete picture of how the ocean responds to climate change.

From Science Daily

The military did not respond to AFP's request for comment.

From Barron's

After 11 closely contested rounds, in which Ball was at times typically bullish on the inside and Figueroa responded with relentless volume, the fight turned in an instant.

From BBC

Lewis didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday night.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some of the elevated killer T cells specifically respond to EBV, suggesting the virus may help set off the harmful immune activity seen in MS.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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