reaction time
C1Technical/Formal
Definition
Meaning
The time interval between the presentation of a stimulus and the initiation of a motor response to that stimulus.
In general use, the time it takes for a person or system to respond to a given event or condition.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a technical term in fields like psychology, neuroscience, ergonomics, and sport. Can also be used metaphorically in non-technical contexts to describe the speed of response of any entity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; the term is identical and used identically in both contexts. Spelling follows local conventions (e.g., 'behavioural reaction time' vs. 'behavioral reaction time').
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in relevant technical fields in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
reaction time to (stimulus)reaction time of (subject)reaction time for (task)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(to have) the reaction time of a sloth”
- “lightning-fast reaction time”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; might be used metaphorically: 'The company's reaction time to market changes was too slow.'
Academic
Common in psychology, neuroscience, and sports science research papers to discuss cognitive or motor response speed.
Everyday
Used when discussing driving, sports performance, or video games: 'My reaction time isn't good enough for this game.'
Technical
The standard term in experimental psychology (e.g., 'simple auditory reaction time task'), human factors engineering, and athletics.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We will reaction-time the participants under three conditions.
- The athlete has been reaction-timed weekly.
American English
- The study reaction-timed all subjects.
- They are reaction-timing the new recruits.
adverb
British English
- The stimuli were presented reaction-time randomly.
- He reacted reaction-time slowly to the cue.
American English
- Participants responded reaction-time quickly.
- The signal was processed reaction-time efficiently.
adjective
British English
- The reaction-time data showed a significant effect.
- We used a simple reaction-time task.
American English
- The reaction-time task was administered digitally.
- We analyzed the reaction-time measures.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A good driver needs a fast reaction time.
- Playing action video games can improve your reaction time.
- His reaction time was slower when he was tired.
- The experiment measured the participants' reaction times to both auditory and visual stimuli.
- A pilot's reaction time is critical in emergency situations.
- The study found a significant correlation between caffeine consumption and reduced choice reaction time in complex decision-making tasks.
- Factors such as age, fatigue, and cognitive load can all detrimentally affect simple reaction time.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tennis player REACTING to a serve – the TIME it takes from seeing the ball to swinging the racket.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND/BODY AS A COMPUTER PROCESSOR (processing input and producing output after a measurable delay).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as "время реакции" in overly literal contexts where "скорость реакции" is more natural. Also, note that "reaction" here is not химическая реакция (chemical reaction).
Common Mistakes
- Using plural 'reactions time' (incorrect)
- Confusing with 'reflex', which is an involuntary, stereotyped response; reaction time can involve conscious choice.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is 'reaction time' LEAST likely to be a core technical term?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a two-word compound noun, similar to 'swimming pool' or 'post office'.
Yes, it can be used metaphorically for machines, organizations, or software (e.g., 'the server's reaction time to the request').
Simple reaction time involves responding to a single, predictable stimulus (e.g., pressing a key when a light appears). Choice reaction time involves discriminating between different stimuli and selecting the appropriate response (e.g., pressing key 'A' for a red light and key 'B' for a green light).
Not always. In complex situations, speed can come at the cost of accuracy. The ideal is a balance of speed and appropriate response (speed-accuracy tradeoff).