response Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a result
    • this situation developed in response to events in Africa
  2. noun a bodily process occurring due to the effect of some antecedent stimulus or agent
    reaction.
    • a bad reaction to the medicine
    • his responses have slowed with age
  3. noun a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
    answer; reply.
    • I waited several days for his answer
    • he wrote replies to several of his critics
  4. noun the manner in which something is greeted
    reception.
    • she did not expect the cold reception she received from her superiors
  5. noun a phrase recited or sung by the congregation following a versicle by the priest or minister
  6. noun the speech act of continuing a conversational exchange
    reply.
    • he growled his reply
  7. noun the manner in which an electrical or mechanical device responds to an input signal or a range of input signals

WordNet

Re*sponse" noun
Etymology
OF. response, respons, F. réponse, from L. responsum, from respondere. See Respond.
Definitions
  1. The act of responding.
  2. An answer or reply. Specifically: (a) Reply to an objection in formal disputation. I. Watts. (b) (Eccl.) The answer of the people or congregation to the priest or clergyman, in the litany and other parts of divine service. (c) (R.C.Ch.) A kind of anthem sung after the lessons of matins and some other parts of the office. (d) (Mus.) A repetition of the given subject in a fugue by another part on the fifth above or fourth below. Busby.

Webster 1913