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RSVP

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɑˈɹɛsˈviˈpi// rsvp Informal

v. Stands for Répondez S'il Vous Plaît. To reply to an invitation to say if you are coming or not.

v. Abbreviation for Répondez S'il Vous Plaît. To respond to an invitation to confirm or decline attendance. Often used as an intransitive verb in social and professional correspondence.


SIMPLE

Please RSVP by Friday so we can order enough food.

CONTEXTUAL

Guests are requested to RSVP via the event website no later than two weeks before the wedding date.

COMPLEX

While traditionally used as a formal request, modern digital invitations often include an RSVP button to streamline the process of collecting guest counts and dietary requirements.

Etymology 1

Orthographic borrowing from French RSVP, initialism of répondez s'il vous plaît (“please reply”).

Etymology 2

Abbreviations.

Usage

Often used as an intransitive verb; can also function as a noun referring to the reply itself.

Pitfall

Please RSVP back to mePlease RSVP to meRSVP already means 'reply', so adding 'back' is redundant.

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