respond
gb/ɹɪspˈɑnd/ us/ɹɪspˈɑnd/
A2
English
~ 1400
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A2
action
1
Reply to a message or action
To say or do something after someone talks to you or does something to you.
Usage pattern:
to respond to [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'respond' with 'react'. 'Respond' usually involves a deliberate answer, while 'react' can be more immediate and emotional.
Synonyms
reply (Often used for verbal or written answers; slightly more common in everyday speech.)
|
answer (Common in casual speech; can also refer to solutions to questions.)
Antonyms
ignore (Means to deliberately not give any reply or reaction.)
Collocations
respond quickly
|respond immediately
|respond politely
|respond angrily
|respond directly
Themes
communication
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She didn't respond when I called her name.
- The company responded to customer complaints with a public apology.
- How did he respond when you told him the news?
- They responded quickly to the emergency.
- He responded by shaking his head.
Learner examples
- I responded to her question.
- He did not respond to my email.
- She responded with a smile.
- We must respond to the problem.
Verb
B1
action
2
React to stimulus or treatment
To change or show a result when something happens or when getting medical help.
Usage pattern:
to respond to [stimulus/treatment/situation]
Common mistake:
Learners may use 'respond' only in communication contexts, forgetting it can describe physical or medical reactions.
Synonyms
react (A close synonym, but can imply a less deliberate or more emotional action.)
Antonyms
resist (In medical context, means not being affected by treatment.)
Collocations
respond well
|respond positively
|respond favorably
|respond appropriately
Themes
health
|science
Examples
- The patient responded well to the new medication.
- Plants respond to light by growing towards it.
- He responded badly to the criticism.
- The economy is responding slowly to the new policies.
Learner examples
- The patient responded well to the drug.
- My skin responds badly to cold weather.
- The dog responds quickly to commands.
Grammar
Dictionary form
respond
IPA
GB/ɹɪspˈɑnd/
US/ɹɪspˈɑnd/
Syllables & stress
re - spond (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (spond)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: respond
- 3rd Person Singular: responds
- Present Participle: responding
- Past: responded
Word family
Forms
responds
verb
responding
verb
responded
verb
Core family
response
noun A2
responsive
adjective B2
Related words
responder
noun
responsiveness
noun
Negative and opposite forms
unresponsive
adjective
Advanced or less common
respondent
noun B2
responsively
adverb
Expressions
fail to respond
1/fˈeɪl tə ɹɪspˈɑnd/
fixed phrase
Not reply or react
To not answer or react when someone expects you to.
Examples
- I called his name several times, but he failed to respond.
- The patient failed to respond to treatment.
respond in kind
1/ɹɪspˈɑnd ˈɪn kˈaɪnd/
fixed phrase
Reply with similar action
To do the same thing back that someone did to you.
Examples
- When she helped him, he responded in kind by helping her later.
- If they insult you, don't respond in kind.