Response Meaning

UK /rɪˈspɒns/
US /rɪˈspɑːns/
Word Definition
response meaning

Response Definition & Usage

noun

A reaction or reply to something that has been said, asked, or done.

Examples

  • "Her response to the invitation was a simple 'yes'."
  • "The teacher was waiting for a response from the students before continuing the lesson."
  • "I didn’t get a response to my email last week."
  • "The company's response to the complaint was swift and efficient."
  • "His response to the criticism was calm and measured."
noun

An action or behavior as a reaction to a stimulus or event.

Examples

  • "The dog's response to the command was immediate."
  • "The government’s response to the crisis involved a large-scale emergency operation."
  • "Her response to the noise was to cover her ears."
  • "The patient’s response to the medication was positive."
  • "The team's response to the injury was to quickly call for medical help."
noun

A signal or output in response to a specific input, especially in electronics or computing.

Examples

  • "The server's response time is critical for user experience."
  • "The response of the circuit to the voltage was delayed."
  • "He measured the system's response to changes in temperature."
  • "The application provided an immediate response to the user's command."
  • "The response from the sensor was recorded every second."

Cultural Context

The word 'response' has its roots in the Latin verb 'respondere', meaning 'to answer or reply'. It is widely used in both casual and formal contexts, from everyday conversations to scientific discussions. The concept of 'response' is central in many fields, including psychology, medicine, and technology.

The Ripple of Words

Story

The Ripple of Words

Lily stood at the door, staring at the unopened letter in her hand. It had been there for hours, yet she hadn’t mustered the courage to open it. She knew what it was—an invitation to a prestigious conference that could make or break her career as a linguist. But the pressure was too much. What if her response wasn’t good enough? She sat at her desk, the words of her friend, Nora, echoing in her mind: 'The response you give can change everything.' But what did that really mean? Was it about the content of her reply, or the way she framed her response? As she tapped her fingers nervously on the desk, Lily realized that her fear wasn’t about what to say, but rather how her answer would be received. The response to her acceptance could open doors to new opportunities, but the response to a rejection might leave her questioning her worth. As she picked up the pen to write her response, she thought about the responses she had heard all her life. The swift replies of her father when he was upset, the calm responses of her mother when she was angry. Responses weren’t just words; they were actions, reflections of thoughts and emotions. And in a way, they defined her. Lily finally scribbled a few words and sealed the envelope, releasing the weight that had been holding her captive all afternoon. Later that evening, as she checked her email, the response from the conference organizers came in: 'We are pleased to inform you that your application has been accepted.' She smiled, feeling the weight lift off her shoulders. In the end, her response had indeed changed everything. In another part of the city, a different kind of response was unfolding. Chris had been in the hospital for two days, battling a severe fever. His doctor had given him a new treatment plan, and now they were waiting to see the response from his body. His temperature had dropped slightly, but they were cautious. A positive response to the medicine could mean recovery, but a negative one would require more drastic measures. It was a tense waiting game. Finally, after several hours, the response was evident. Chris’s fever began to subside steadily, and the doctors were optimistic. This response, unlike Lily’s, wasn’t based on a simple yes or no. It was about survival. But just like Lily’s decision, Chris’s body had made a choice. And in the end, the response would determine his future. The two stories, though different in nature, shared the same central idea: the power of a response. Whether it’s a career-changing decision or a life-saving reaction, the act of responding holds immense weight.

The Ripple of Words