Responsive

/rɪˈspɒnsɪv/

adjectivemediumVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Reacting quickly and in a positive way.

/rɪˈspɒnsɪv/

adjectivepositivemedium
General

Reacting quickly and positively to something.

The company is responsive to customer complaints.

💡 Simply: Imagine your friend texts you. A responsive friend texts back right away! It means they’re quick to reply and show they care.

👶 For kids: Being quick to answer or react to something.

More Examples

2

The new software is more responsive than the old version.

3

He was responsive to her needs.

How It's Used

Business

"A responsive customer service team quickly addresses client inquiries."

Technology

"A responsive website adjusts its layout to different screen sizes."

Communication

"She was responsive to his suggestions."

2

Serving as a response or reaction; capable of reacting to something.

/rɪˈspɒnsɪv/

adjectiveneutralmedium
Science

Relating to or characterized by a response or reaction.

The survey aimed to gauge public responsiveness to the new policy.

💡 Simply: Think about a plant that grows towards the sun. That plant is responsive to the sun's light, because it's reacting to its environment!

👶 For kids: Able to react to things around you.

More Examples

2

The patient was responsive to treatment and showed improvement.

3

The responsive design of the website made it easy to use on any device.

How It's Used

Psychology

"Therapy aims to create a responsive environment for the patient."

Medical

"The patient's body was responsive to the new medication."

Tip:Think of a *response* being built into the nature of something.

Idioms & expressions

be responsive to

To react positively or with interest to something or someone.

"The company is responsive to customer feedback."

From Middle English *responsyve*, from Old French *responsif* or directly from Latin *responsus* ('answered, corresponding'), the past participle of *respondere* ('to respond').

The word 'responsive' has been used since the 17th century to denote a quick and positive reaction or a characteristic feature of something.

Memory tip

Think of someone quickly *responding* with a positive attitude.

responciveresponsiberesponisve

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written