responsive
Americanadjective
-
responding especially readily and sympathetically to appeals, efforts, influences, etc..
a responsive government.
- Synonyms:
- sympathetic, understanding, receptive
-
Physiology. acting in response, as to some stimulus.
-
characterized by the use of responses.
responsive worship.
adjective
-
reacting or replying quickly or favourably, as to a suggestion, initiative, etc
-
(of an organism) reacting to a stimulus
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of responsive
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Late Latin word respōnsīvus. See response, -ive
Explanation
People who are responsive are alert and aware — they're giving responses. The least responsive people in the world are people in deep comas. Responsive has several meanings, but they're very similar. If someone just came out of a coma and starting saying anything at all (or even started blinking), you'd be happy at how responsive they are. A person who has enthusiasm is more responsive than someone who is quiet and seems bored. Things other than people can be responsive too: a plant is responsive to sunlight, and the fire department is responsive to a fire. Anything that is alert and quick to react is responsive.
Vocabulary lists containing responsive
Power Prefix: re-
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Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Prefixes: re-
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New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964)
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Some of these changes may help tumors spread, withstand stressful conditions, or become less responsive to treatment.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 2, 2026
These lenders “have a responsibility to be responsive, communicate clearly, and guarantee that the rebuilding process is not slowed by unnecessary administrative barriers,” Harabedian said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2026
But she also feels the Bulgarian healthcare system is more responsive than the one she is leaving behind in the UK.
From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026
"I hope that our government, the government of the largest democracy in the world, will be sensitive, sensible and responsive to the voices".
From Barron's ● Jul. 8, 2026
It was just as the gyptian had said: the little craft was stiffer, more responsive, and very much slippier through the water than she’d ever felt before.
From "The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage" by Philip Pullman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
