English Reference

Word

react

Phoneticsre·act, stress on the second syllable

US/ɹiˈækt/

UK/ɹɪˈækt/

Definitions

01to respond to something

A2 · Elementary

v. to change your behaviour or feelings because of something that happens.

v. to act in response to a stimulus, event, or situation. Intransitive; typically takes the preposition 'to'.

“How did your parents react when you told them you were moving?”

“The markets reacted sharply to the central bank's announcement, with stock prices falling within minutes of the press conference.”

Pitfall

He reacted at the news by crying.

He reacted to the news by crying.

The verb 'react' is followed by the preposition 'to' when identifying the cause of the response.

Antonyms

02chemical change

B2 · Upper Intermediate Science Technical

v. to change when mixed with another substance.

v. to undergo a chemical change when in contact with another substance or energy source. Often used with 'with'.

“The acid will react with the metal and create small bubbles.”

“When the two compounds react under high pressure, they form a stable polymer that is resistant to heat.”

03social media response

B1 · Intermediate Computing Informal

v. to use an emoji or icon to show how you feel about a post online.

v. to post a digital reaction, such as an emoji, to indicate a specific emotional response to a message or post.

“I didn't have time to reply, so I just reacted with a heart emoji.”

“Users can now react to individual messages in the thread, allowing for quicker feedback without cluttering the conversation with text.”

Synonyms

04an emoji response

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Computing Slang · Informal

n. an emoji or icon used to show a feeling on social media.

n. a specific emoji or symbolic icon selected by a user to express a sentiment toward a digital post.

“The post got over a hundred likes and several angry reacts.”

“The community manager noted that the 'laugh' react was being used sarcastically on the company's official announcement.”

Synonyms

Etymology

From re- + act. Piecewise doublet of redact.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

VERB

react(A2)

Domains

ChemistryInternetPhysics

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/react

English Reference