React
/riˈækt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo respond or behave in a particular way as a result of something that has happened or been said.
/riˈækt/
To respond to something.
He reacted angrily to the insult.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone tells you a funny joke. You *react* by laughing. Or maybe you feel sad, and you *react* by crying. It's just how you respond to things!
👶 For kids: To do something because something else happened.
More Examples
How did she react to the news?
The metal reacted to the acid.
How It's Used
"She reacted with surprise to the news."
"The chemical reacted with the catalyst."
"The government reacted quickly to the crisis."
To undergo or cause a chemical reaction.
/riˈækt/
To undergo a chemical change.
The acid and base will react vigorously.
💡 Simply: Imagine you mix baking soda and vinegar. They *react* and bubble up! It means they're changing and creating something new together.
👶 For kids: When stuff changes when they touch each other.
More Examples
The catalyst helps the reactants react faster.
This substance does not react with water.
How It's Used
"The two substances reacted to form a new compound."
Idioms & expressions
overreact
To react more strongly than is necessary or appropriate.
"Don't overreact, it's not a big deal."
From Latin *reagere* ('to act back'), from *re-* ('back, again') + *agere* ('to do, act').
The word 'react' gained wider usage in the scientific and social contexts during the 19th century, reflecting increased understanding of chemistry and human behavior.
Memory tip
Think of someone turning *back* (re-) on an *action* and showing their feelings.
Word Origin
"to act back or against"