react
B1Neutral (used across all registers from everyday to technical)
Definition
Meaning
To respond to an action, event, stimulus, or substance by behaving or changing in a particular way.
To act in opposition to a force, trend, or previous condition; (in chemistry) to undergo a change when interacting with another substance.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies an immediate, instinctive, or involuntary response. Can carry negative connotations (e.g., react angrily) or neutral/technical ones (e.g., chemicals react). The subject is typically the entity affected by an external stimulus.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Spelling remains the same.
Connotations
Slightly more common in American media/political discourse in phrases like 'react to the polls/news'.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] react to [noun phrase][Subject] react by [verb-ing][Subject] react with [noun phrase (emotion/substance)][Subject] react against [noun phrase]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Knee-jerk reaction”
- “Chain reaction”
- “React on impulse”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
How will the market react to the merger?
Academic
The subjects were observed to react to the visual stimuli.
Everyday
How did she react when you told her?
Technical
Sodium will react violently with water.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- How did the Prime Minister react to the report?
- The metal doesn't react with water.
- He tends to react before thinking.
American English
- How did the President react to the poll numbers?
- The compound reacts under heat.
- Don't just react—take a moment.
adverb
British English
- He answered reactively, without a plan.
American English
- She acted reactively rather than proactively.
adjective
British English
- The reactive properties were documented.
- She's highly reactive to criticism.
American English
- The reactive component failed.
- He has a reactive personality.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The baby reacted to the loud noise.
- Dogs often react to strangers.
- How did your parents react when you told them?
- I didn't know how to react to his comment.
- The government was slow to react to the crisis.
- Some people react badly to this medication.
- The artist's work reacts against the minimalist trends of the previous decade.
- Investors reacted favourably to the robust earnings forecast.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
RE-ACT = to ACT again, or in return. Picture someone acting on a stage, then getting a reaction (RE-ACTion) from the audience.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTERACTION IS A CONVERSATION (we 'answer' a situation), CHANGE IS MOVEMENT (react against a trend).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'реагировать' for all senses; 'react' is more specific to a response. Do not use 'react' to mean 'interact' in a general social sense.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'react on' (correct: 'react to'). Confusing 'react' (response) with 'act' (initiate action). Overuse in contexts where 'respond' is more formal.
Practice
Quiz
In chemistry, when two substances ___ , they form a new compound.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'React' often suggests a more immediate, instinctive, or emotional response. 'Respond' can be more considered, formal, or part of a dialogue.
Yes, but it's less common. E.g., 'She slapped him and he reacted.' Usually, it's followed by 'to', 'against', 'with', or 'by'.
Primarily, yes. 'Reactivity' is a technical noun (chemistry/psychology). The adjective is 'reactive'.
Yes, it's a common derivative meaning to react more strongly than is justified.
Collections
Part of a collection
Media and Communication
B1 · 50 words · Language for discussing media and communication.