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responding

v. · n.
US //ɹiˈspɑndɪŋ// UK //ɹɪspˈɒndɪŋ// re·spond·ing
  1. 1 answering (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    giving an answer to a question, email, or message.

    the act of replying to a communication or query. This form functions as a present participle or gerund.

    Example

    She is currently responding to all the invitations for her birthday party.

    Example

    The customer service team is responding to inquiries as quickly as possible, though the high volume of traffic has caused some delays.

    Usage

    Requires the preposition 'to' when followed by an object.

    Pitfall
    I am responding your email now.
    I am responding to your email now.

    The verb 'respond' must be followed by the preposition 'to' before the object.

  2. 2 reacting (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    reacting to something, such as a medicine or a change in a situation.

    exhibiting a reaction to a stimulus, treatment, or external event.

    Example

    The patient is responding well to the new medicine the doctor gave him.

    Example

    Economists are closely monitoring how the market is responding to the central bank's latest adjustment of interest rates.

    Usage

    Often used in medical or technical contexts to describe how a system or body changes.

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  1. 3 the act of giving a response (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    the action of giving a reply or a reaction.

    the gerundial use of the word to describe the process or action of providing a response.

    Example

    Responding quickly is important if you want to win the contract.

    Example

    The study focused on the speed of responding in emergency situations, measuring the time between the alarm and the first physical action.

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