response
C1 (High Frequency)Formal/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A verbal or written answer to a question or statement.
Any reaction or behavior that is provoked by a stimulus or event, including physiological, emotional, or mechanical reactions.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In formal contexts, often used to describe official or considered replies. In scientific contexts, it denotes a measurable reaction to a specific input.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or spelling. Both use 'response' identically.
Connotations
None specific to either variety.
Frequency
Equally frequent and identically used in both UK and US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
response to [something]in response to [something]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In response to...”
- “A knee-jerk response”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The client's response to the proposal will determine our next steps.
Academic
The study measured the neural response to auditory stimuli.
Everyday
I haven't had a response to my email yet.
Technical
The system's response time is under five milliseconds.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- How do you plan to respond to the allegations?
American English
- The mayor has yet to respond to the criticism.
adverb
British English
- She answered responsively, addressing every point I raised.
American English
- The engine runs responsively, with no lag.
adjective
British English
- The new responsive website design works well on mobile.
American English
- We need a more responsive customer service team.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Thank you for your quick response to my message.
- The company's response to the complaint was very professional.
- Public response to the new policy has been overwhelmingly negative.
- The vaccine aims to elicit a robust and lasting immune response.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RESPONDENT giving a RESPONSE; both share the 'spond' root meaning 'to pledge' or 'answer'.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A TWO-WAY STREET (a response completes the circuit of interaction).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'answer' ('ответ') for all contexts; in scientific/formal writing, 'response' ('реакция, отклик') is more precise.
- The phrase 'in response to' is a fixed prepositional collocation; translating word-for-word from Russian might lead to incorrect preposition use.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'respond' (verb) when 'response' (noun) is needed, e.g., 'I await your respond' (incorrect) vs. 'I await your response' (correct).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a STRONG collocation with 'response'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Answer' is more general and casual, used primarily for replies to questions. 'Response' is broader and more formal, covering reactions to stimuli, events, or communications.
Yes, 'responses' is the standard plural form.
Absolutely. It is commonly used for physical, emotional, or systemic reactions (e.g., 'the body's response to infection', 'market response').
In the pattern 'response to [noun]', yes. When used adverbially, it is 'in response to' (e.g., 'She acted in response to the alarm').
Collections
Part of a collection
Psychology Basics
B2 · 50 words · Fundamental concepts in human psychology.