respond
- 01 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'.
Simple“She didn't respond to my text message until the next morning.”
In context“The spokesperson declined to respond to the allegations until the legal team had reviewed the full report.”
UsageRequires 'to' before the person or thing being answered.
PitfallI 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.
- 02 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.
Simple“The emergency services responded quickly to the call for help.”
In context“The patient's body began to respond positively to the new medication after only three days of treatment.”
UsageOften used with adverbs of manner like 'quickly', 'well', or 'positively'.
- 03 C1 Advanced
v.to match or fit well with something else.
v.to correspond with or suit another element in a design or system.
Simple“The new windows respond to the style of the old building.”
In context“The interior layout must respond to the specific needs of the residents while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the original design.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
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.
Simple“The stone respond was carved with the same pattern as the main pillars.”
In context“The architect placed a respond at the end of the arcade to receive the thrust of the final arch against the masonry wall.”
Synonymspilastersupport
Usage respond to a request · respond to requests · respond to a new
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.