Word
responsive
Phoneticsre·spon·sive, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹɪˈspɑnsɪv/
UK/ɹɪspˈɒnsɪv/
Definitions
01reacting to people or needs
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. reacting quickly and in a helpful way to a person or a situation.
adj. reacting quickly and positively to suggestions, requests, or influence.
“The company is very responsive to customer complaints and usually replies within an hour.”
“The local government proved surprisingly responsive to the community's concerns regarding the proposed development, immediately scheduling a public forum.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'to'.
Antonyms
02medical or physical reaction
B2 · Upper Intermediate Medicine
adj. reacting to a physical touch, a medicine, or a treatment.
adj. showing a physical or physiological reaction to external stimuli or medical intervention.
“The patient's pupils were responsive to light, which was a good sign.”
“The infection proved highly responsive to the new course of antibiotics, with the patient showing significant improvement within forty-eight hours.”
Antonyms
03web design
B2 · Upper Intermediate Computing Technical
adj. describing a website that changes its layout to fit perfectly on a phone, tablet, or computer.
adj. relating to a web design approach where layouts automatically adjust to the user's device and screen size.
“You should use a responsive design so your website looks good on mobile phones.”
“The developer prioritised a responsive interface to ensure that the data visualisations remained legible across a variety of mobile and desktop platforms.”
Antonyms
04emotional sensitivity
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. showing that you understand and care about other people's feelings.
adj. showing sensitivity or sympathy toward the emotions and needs of others.
“A responsive leader listens to their team and understands their worries.”
“Her responsive nature made her an excellent counsellor, as she could intuitively sense the unspoken anxieties of her clients.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“It provides a great riding experience in scooter mode, feeling both maneuverable and responsive.” “Their results show that exposure to light can make an atom more responsive to the movement of neighboring atoms.” Etymology
From Middle French responsif, from Late Latin responsivus.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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