Word
respond
Phoneticsre·spond, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹiˈspɑnd/
UK/ɹɪspˈɒnd/
Definitions
01to answer
A2 · Elementary
v. to say or write something as a reply to a question or message.
v. to reply or answer in oral or written form. Intransitive, typically taking the preposition 'to'.
“She didn't respond to my text message until the next morning.”
“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.
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.
02to react
B1 · Intermediate
v. to do something because of something else that has happened.
v. to react to a stimulus, event, or situation with a specific action.
“The emergency services responded quickly to the call for help.”
“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'.
03to match or suit
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to match or fit well with something else.
v. to correspond with or suit another element in a design or system.
Español:responder
“The new windows respond to the style of the old building.”
“The interior layout must respond to the specific needs of the residents while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the original design.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
04architectural support
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Architecture Technical
n. a half-pillar attached to a wall that supports one side of an arch.
n. a half-pillar or pilaster engaged in a wall to support the weight of an arch or a timber.
“The stone respond was carved with the same pattern as the main pillars.”
“The architect placed a respond at the end of the arcade to receive the thrust of the final arch against the masonry wall.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “respond” in context.
Etymology
From Middle English respounden, from Old French respondre, from Late Latin respondō, from Latin respondeō. Cf. Modern French répondre.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Domain
- 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
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/respond
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0