response

American  

[ri-spons] / rɪˈspɒns /

noun

1. an answer or reply, as in words or in some action.

   Synonyms:

   rejoinder

2. Biology. any behavior of a living organism that results from an external or internal stimulus.

3. Ecclesiastical.

   1. a verse, sentence, phrase, or word said or sung by the choir or congregation in reply to the officiant.

   2. responsory.

4. Bridge. a bid based on an evaluation of one's hand relative to the previous bid of one's partner.

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response British  

/ rɪˈspɒns /

noun

1. the act of responding; reply or reaction

2. bridge a bid replying to a partner's bid or double

3. (usually plural) Christianity a short sentence or phrase recited or sung by the choir or congregation in reply to the officiant at a church service

4. electronics the ratio of the output to the input level, at a particular frequency, of a transmission line or electrical device

5. any pattern of glandular, muscular, or electrical reactions that arises from stimulation of the nervous system

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response Scientific  

/ rĭ-spŏns′ /

1. A reaction, as that of an organism or any of its parts, to a specific stimulus.

2. See more at classical conditioning

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Related Words

See answer.

Other Word Forms

• counterresponse noun
• responseless adjective

Etymology

Origin of response

First recorded in 1250–1300; from Latin respōnsum, noun use of neuter past participle of respondēre “to reply, answer”; replacing Middle English respounse, from Middle French respons, from Latin, as above; respond

Example Sentences

The Cabinet Office has been contacted for a response.

From BBC

The shares have more than doubled in the past 12 months in response to a surge in spending on wafer fabrication equipment, or WFE, the tools used to produce semiconductors.

From Barron's

“Even if the analyst does not control the portfolio selection daily or at all, the structure creates the incentive to promote the investment favorably,” Gana said in response to questions about Ives.

From Barron's

Readers of Kafka’s era were struck by the outlandish, surreal premise, but one of its most arresting aspects is how true-to-life the Samsa family’s responses to Gregor’s condition seem.

From The Wall Street Journal

She whispered in the creature’s ear, and he gave a soft call in response.

From Literature

Related Words

• feedback
• reply
• return