respond

[ ri-spond ]

/ rɪˈspɒnd /

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See synonyms for: respond / responded / responding on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object)

to reply or answer in words: to respond briefly to a question.

to make a return by some action as if in answer: to respond generously to a charity drive.

to react favorably.

Physiology. to exhibit some action or effect as if in answer; react: Nerves respond to a stimulus.

to correspond (usually followed by to).

Bridge. to make a response.

verb (used with object)

to say in answer; reply.

noun

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.

Ecclesiastical.

a short anthem chanted at intervals during the reading of a lection.
responsory.
response.

OTHER WORDS FOR respond

1 rejoin.

2 rise, react, reply.

See synonyms for respond on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of respond

1350–1400; (noun) Middle English: responsory <Old French, derivative of respondre to respond <Latin respondēre to promise in return, reply, answer, equivalent to re-re- + spondēre to pledge, promise (see sponsor); (v.) <Latin respondēre

OTHER WORDS FROM respond

o·ver·re·spond, verbun·re·spond·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use respond in a sentence

Leapolitan responded by saying, “hopefully youll [sic] bite into a poison apple.”
Grindr’s Trans Dating Problem|David Levesley|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The comedian responded to the deadly attack on a French satirical magazine by renewing his recent criticisms of the Islamic faith.
Bill Maher: Hundreds of Millions of Muslims Support Attack on ‘Charlie Hebdo’|Lloyd Grove|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
I was a little mystified at how benignly he responded to my questions about his business activities.
I Tried to Warn You About Sleazy Billionaire Jeffrey Epstein in 2003|Vicky Ward|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
When he has called the police in the past, they have not responded, or responded “mad late.”
Ground Zero of the NYPD Slowdown|Batya Ungar-Sargon|January 1, 2015|DAILY BEAST

The opposition responded with a month-long Occupy Abay (like Occupy Wall St) campaign, in which Udaltsov was one of key figures.
Behind Bars for the Holidays: 11 Political Prisoners We Want to See Free In 2015|Movements.Org|December 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When Yima pressed the earth with this ring, the genius of the Earth, Aramaîti, responded to his wish and order.
Solomon and Solomonic Literature|Moncure Daniel Conway
Toward the close of it were the usual number of toasts in honour of Liszt, to which he responded in rather a bored sort of way.
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay
To the invitation to precede him she readily responded, and, with a bow to the Seneschal, she began to walk across the apartment.
St. Martin's Summer|Rafael Sabatini
To this the fat boy, considerably terrified, briefly responded, “Missis.”
The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club, v. 2(of 2)|Charles Dickens
In a flash Isabel had responded with a challenge of appeal, which that accomplished dame was quick to understand.
Ancestors|Gertrude Atherton

British Dictionary definitions for respond

respond

/ (rɪˈspɒnd) /

verb

to state or utter (something) in reply

(intr) to act in reply; reactto respond by issuing an invitation

(intr foll by to) to react favourablythis patient will respond to treatment

an archaic word for correspond

noun

architect a pilaster or an engaged column that supports an arch or a lintel

Christianity a choral anthem chanted in response to a lesson read at a church service

Derived forms of respond

respondence or respondency, nounresponder, noun

Word Origin for respond

C14: from Old French respondre, from Latin rēspondēre to return like for like, from re- + spondēre to pledge; see spouse, sponsor

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

respond

OTHER WORDS FOR respond

Origin of respond

OTHER WORDS FROM respond

Words related to respond

How to use respond in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for respond

Derived forms of respond

Word Origin for respond