English Reference

Word

reaction

Phoneticsre·ac·tion, stress on the second syllable

US/ɹiˈækʃən/

UK/ɹɪˈækʃən/

Definitions

01response to an event

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. something you say, feel, or do because of something else that happened.

n. a physiological or psychological response to a stimulus or event.

“His first reaction to the news was a look of pure surprise.”

“The public reaction to the proposed tax increase was overwhelmingly negative, forcing the local council to reconsider its budget priorities.”

Antonyms

02chemical change

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science Technical

n. a process where two or more substances change into something new.

n. a process involving the rearrangement of the molecular or ionic structure of a substance.

“The chemical reaction caused the liquid to turn bright green.”

“The catalyst was added to accelerate the reaction, ensuring that the compound reached stability before the temperature dropped.”

03online emoji

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Computing Informal

n. an icon or emoji you use to show how you feel about a post on social media.

n. a digital feedback mechanism, typically an emoji, used to express a specific sentiment toward online content.

“She got over fifty heart reactions on her new photo.”

“The platform introduced several new reactions, allowing users to express nuanced emotions beyond a simple 'like' button.”

Synonyms

04political resistance

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Politics Academic · Formal

n. a movement that opposes social or political change.

n. opposition to political or social progress or reform; reactionary policy.

“The new law met with strong reaction from traditional groups.”

“The revolution was followed by a period of intense political reaction, as the old elite sought to dismantle the newly established democratic institutions.”

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “reaction” in context.

Verb

01. gauge reaction

“The company released a teaser trailer to gauge the reaction of fans.”

verb + noun

Adjective

02. adverse reaction

“Some patients may experience an adverse reaction to the new medication.”

adj + noun

03. chemical reaction

“The two substances were mixed together to cause a chemical reaction.”

adj + noun

04. immediate reaction

“My immediate reaction to the news was one of total shock.”

adj + noun

05. mixed reaction

“The new film received a mixed reaction from critics and audiences.”

adj + noun

Noun

06. chain reaction

“The stock market crash set off a chain reaction of bank failures.”

noun + noun

07. reactions to his work

08. a gut reaction

“My gut reaction was that he was lying, even though I had no proof.”

09. elicit a response

“The protest was designed to elicit a reaction from the local authorities.”

10. emotional reaction

11. in reaction to

“Share prices fell sharply in reaction to the unexpected news.”

12. initial reaction

Etymology

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.

Word family

Idioms

Domains

ChemistryInternetPolitics

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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Common
Level
B1 · IntermediateOxford
Updated

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