responsive

American  

[ri-spon-siv] / rɪˈspɒn sɪv /

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.

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responsive British  

/ rɪˈspɒnsɪv /

adjective

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

2. (of an organism) reacting to a stimulus

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of responsive

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

Example Sentences

Utah is taking the lead in addressing how to make the teaching of history more responsive to the reality of history.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

That would mean more public companies could become less responsive to individual retail investors.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

In addition to cancer treatment, this approach points toward a future of programmable, responsive medicines.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

For most users, both providers offer responsive connections suitable for gaming, video calls and real-time browsing.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

“Hospital?” said Ralph; and even before all the syllables were out of his mouth, the car lurched ahead, so responsive that Ralph was thrown against the seat.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen

Related Words

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