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-
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Prefixes: re-
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964)
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Responsive Customer Support: When issues arise, you want access to helpful support via live chat, email, or comprehensive documentation.
From Salon • Feb. 12, 2026
Responsive launch means America’s Space Force can call on a Tuesday and launch on Wednesday.
From MarketWatch • Oct. 30, 2025
Responsive parenting is pivotal to healthy child development, and its absence can lead to behavioural issues, emotional difficulties, and lower academic achievement.
From Science Daily • Oct. 16, 2023
In 2020, residents of the state donated more than $92 million to his campaign and to super PACs and other groups that supported his unsuccessful reelection effort, according to the nonprofit Center for Responsive Politics.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 29, 2023
Responsive to the order, the boat shot after the kayak, but they had barely got under weigh when Kajo made a false stroke with the paddle, lost his balance, and disappeared.
From Red Rooney The Last of the Crew by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)
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.
