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

Dynes responded with a team-leading 16 points, along with five rebounds and four blocks, which Musselman said was “a huge step in the right direction.”

From Los Angeles Times

Former interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva, who oversaw the completion of the report before it was made public in October, did not respond to requests for comment.

From Los Angeles Times

Myanmar's military government did not respond to the BBC's questions about the allegations.

From BBC

The Foreign Press Association in Jerusalem on Sunday welcomed the Israeli Supreme Court's decision to set January 4 as the deadline for Israel to respond to its petition seeking media access to Gaza.

From Barron's

The Saudi authorities have not responded to the BBC's request for comment on the rise in executions.

From BBC

Related Words

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