responsive

[ri-spon-siv]

adjective

1. responding especially readily and sympathetically to appeals, efforts, influences, etc..

   a responsive government.

   Synonyms: sympathetic, understanding, receptive

2. Physiology.,  acting in response, as to some stimulus.

3. characterized by the use of responses.

   responsive worship.

responsive

/ rɪˈspɒnsɪv /

adjective

1. reacting or replying quickly or favourably, as to a suggestion, initiative, etc

2. (of an organism) reacting to a stimulus

Other Word Forms

• responsively adverb
• hyperresponsive adjective
• hyperresponsively adverb
• hyperresponsiveness noun
• nonresponsive adjective
• nonresponsively adverb
• quasi-responsive adjective
• quasi-responsively adverb
• unresponsive adjective
• unresponsively adverb
• unresponsiveness noun
• responsiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of responsive¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Late Latin word respōnsīvus. See response, -ive

Example Sentences

An orchestra that has a reputation for being difficult was responsive.

From Los Angeles Times

Being responsive to voter concerns doesn’t have to mean sacrificing core values, but it does require new approaches when the old ways aren’t working.

From Los Angeles Times

There was no fallback plan — just a willingness to be vulnerable and responsive.

From Los Angeles Times

Media companies have proven responsive in the past to pressure from outside activists, said Anthony Nadler, a professor of media and communications at Ursinus College in Philadelphia.

From BBC

Their cancers are more often tied to lifestyle - tobacco and alcohol drive lung and oral cancers, both aggressive and less responsive to treatment.

From BBC

Related Words

• active 
• aware 
• compassionate 
• conscious 
• reactive 
• receptive 
• sensible 
• sensitive 
• susceptible 
• sympathetic