# RSVP

/ˈɑˈɹɛsˈviˈpi/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rsvp
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- Please RSVP by Friday so we can order enough food.
- Guests are requested to RSVP via the event website no later than two weeks before the wedding date.
- 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "Please RSVP back to me" but "Please RSVP to me" — RSVP already means 'reply', so adding 'back' is redundant.

## Usage notes

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

---

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.