response

[ri-spons]

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.

response

/ 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

response

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

2. See more at classical conditioning

Other Word Forms

• responseless adjective
• counterresponse noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of response¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of response¹

C14: from Latin rēsponsum answer, from rēspondēre to _respond

Synonym Study

See answer.

Example Sentences

But in his response at the panel’s meeting last week, McDonnell seemed to bristle at the notion his officers were too trigger-happy.

From Los Angeles Times

In response to questions from ProPublica, a White House official said that although DeRemer opted to stay in Oregon, her husband “continued to move forward with the process of becoming” an Arizona resident.

From Salon

It added that any police response would be "proportionate" and they were grateful for the "ongoing support" of communities.

From BBC

In response to the ruling, a DHS spokesperson told the BBC the scheme had been "abused, exploited, and politicised as a de facto amnesty program", while indicating it would assess its legal options.

From BBC

“It’s been the most vulnerable time of my whole entire life,” said Feldman of the response to his being cast in the show.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• feedback 
• reply 
• return