reaction
- 01 B1 Intermediate
something you say, feel, or do because of something else that happened.
a physiological or psychological response to a stimulus or event.
Simple“His first reaction to the news was a look of pure surprise.”
In context“The public reaction to the proposed tax increase was overwhelmingly negative, forcing the local council to reconsider its budget priorities.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a process where two or more substances change into something new.
a process involving the rearrangement of the molecular or ionic structure of a substance.
Simple“The chemical reaction caused the liquid to turn bright green.”
In context“The catalyst was added to accelerate the reaction, ensuring that the compound reached stability before the temperature dropped.”
Synonyms - 03 B1 Intermediate
an icon or emoji you use to show how you feel about a post on social media.
a digital feedback mechanism, typically an emoji, used to express a specific sentiment toward online content.
Simple“She got over fifty heart reactions on her new photo.”
In context“The platform introduced several new reactions, allowing users to express nuanced emotions beyond a simple 'like' button.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
a movement that opposes social or political change.
opposition to political or social progress or reform; reactionary policy.
Simple“The new law met with strong reaction from traditional groups.”
In context“The revolution was followed by a period of intense political reaction, as the old elite sought to dismantle the newly established democratic institutions.”
Synonyms
Usage reactions to his work · emotional reaction · initial reaction
Inherited from Middle English reaccion, from Old French reaction, from Latin reāctiō, from the verb reagō, from re- (“again”) + agō (“to act”); more at re-, action; equivalent to react + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.