# response

/ɹiˈspɑns/ (US) · /ɹɪspˈɒns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/response
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. an answer

noun · CEFR A2

a spoken or written answer to a question, letter, or email.

For teachers: a verbal or written reply to a communication or query.

- I sent her an email yesterday but I haven't received a response yet.
- The department head provided a detailed response to the proposal, addressing each of the budgetary concerns raised during the meeting.

Usage: Commonly followed by the preposition 'to'.

### 2. a reaction

noun · CEFR B1

a reaction to something that happens or a feeling caused by something.

For teachers: a physiological, emotional, or behavioral reaction to a specific stimulus or event.

- The crowd's response to the goal was a loud cheer.
- The body's immune response can sometimes be triggered by harmless substances, leading to what we commonly call an allergy.

Usage: Often used with adjectives like 'positive', 'negative', 'immediate', or 'emotional'.

### 3. religious service

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

a short sentence or phrase said by the people in a church service after the priest speaks.

For teachers: a liturgical answer or phrase spoken or sung by a congregation in reply to a celebrant.

- The congregation spoke the traditional response after the opening prayer.
- The choir performed a complex polyphonic response that echoed through the cathedral during the evening service.

Teaching tip: This is a specialized sense used almost exclusively in the context of formal religious liturgy.

## Examples

- I am still waiting for a response to my email.
- The company's quick response to the customer's complaint helped save their reputation.
- The physiological response to sudden stress includes an increased heart rate and a surge of adrenaline, preparing the body for immediate action.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.