What does "respond" mean?

1. (to answer) to say or write something as a reply to a question or message. 2. (to react) to do something because of something else that has happened. 3. (to match or suit) to match or fit well with something else. 4. (architectural support) a half-pillar attached to a wall that supports one side of an arch.

How do you use "respond"?

Requires 'to' before the person or thing being answered. Often used with adverbs of manner like 'quickly', 'well', or 'positively'.

Is it correct to say "I will respond your email tomorrow."?

No — say "I will respond to your email tomorrow.". The verb 'respond' is intransitive and requires the preposition 'to' before the object.

respond

v. · n.

US //ɹiˈspɑnd// UK //ɹɪspˈɒnd// re·spond

1 to answer (v.)
A2 Elementary

to say or write something as a reply to a question or message.

to reply or answer in oral or written form. Intransitive, typically taking the preposition 'to'.

Example

She didn't respond to my text message until the next morning.

Example

The spokesperson declined to respond to the allegations until the legal team had reviewed the full report.

Usage

Requires 'to' before the person or thing being answered.
- ignore
- disregard
Pitfall

I will respond your email tomorrow.

I will respond to your email tomorrow.

The verb 'respond' is intransitive and requires the preposition 'to' before the object.
2 to react (v.)
B1 Intermediate

to do something because of something else that has happened.

to react to a stimulus, event, or situation with a specific action.

Example

The emergency services responded quickly to the call for help.

Example

The patient's body began to respond positively to the new medication after only three days of treatment.

Usage

Often used with adverbs of manner like 'quickly', 'well', or 'positively'.
- react
- behave

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3 to match or suit (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal

to match or fit well with something else.

to correspond with or suit another element in a design or system.

Example

The new windows respond to the style of the old building.

Example

The interior layout must respond to the specific needs of the residents while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the original design.
- clash
4 architectural support (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Architecture

a half-pillar attached to a wall that supports one side of an arch.

a half-pillar or pilaster engaged in a wall to support the weight of an arch or a timber.

Example

The stone respond was carved with the same pattern as the main pillars.

Example

The architect placed a respond at the end of the arcade to receive the thrust of the final arch against the masonry wall.
- pilaster
- support

Origin

From Middle English respounden, from Old French respondre, from Late Latin respondō, from Latin respondeō. Cf. Modern French répondre.

Word family

Verbrespond
Nounresponder
Adjectiveresponsive