response

/rɪˈspɒns/
nounBeginner
formal

An answer or reaction to something that has been said or done.

The company issued a formal response to the customer's complaint.

The government's response to the crisis was swift and decisive.

💡

Can be verbal or non-verbal, written or spoken.

🏥Medicine
technical

A reaction shown by the body to a stimulus, especially in a physiological or psychological context.

The patient's immune response was weak after the vaccination.

The body's response to stress involves the release of cortisol.

💡

In medicine, often refers to immune or physiological reactions.

Collocations

immediate responsea quick reaction without delayautomatic responsean instinctive or unthinking reactionresponse timethe time taken to react to a stimulus

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

response timephrase
the time taken to react to a stimulus
response ratephrase
the percentage of people who respond to a survey or request

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal Use

Use 'response' for formal or official replies, while 'reply' or 'answer' are more common in casual conversation.

Gold Rule

Precision in Context

In medical or technical contexts, 'response' often refers to physiological or system reactions, not just verbal replies.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English *respons*, from Old French *respons*, from Latin *responsum* (neuter of *responsus*), past participle of *respondere* (to answer, reply).

📝Usage Notes

In formal contexts, 'response' is often used for written or official replies. In informal contexts, 'reply' or 'answer' may be more common.

Word Breakdown

re-
back, again
prefix
+
-spons
to answer, reply
root
+
-e
noun suffix
suffix
English Dictionary