respond
Definitions
To say or write something in reply.
回答，回复。
To react to something, often quickly or in a particular way.
作出反应，响应。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedre- (back) + spond (pledge) = 'to pledge back.' In Latin spondēre was a solemn promise; with re- it became 'to give a promise back,' which softened into the ordinary sense of answering. When someone speaks or acts toward you, you respond — you send something back: a reply, or a reaction.
Root spond still carries 9 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.respond to对……作出回应
- 2.respond quickly迅速回应
- 3.fail to respond未能回应
- 4.respond positively积极回应
- 5.respond well反应良好
Example Sentences
- 1.
She didn't respond to my email for three days.
- 2.
How did the crowd respond to the announcement?
- 3.
The patient is responding well to the new medication.
- 4.
Firefighters responded quickly to the emergency call.
Easily Confused
respond vs reply vs answer — all mean 'to say something back.' answer is the plainest (answer a question, answer the phone). reply is slightly more formal and usually verbal or written (reply to a letter). respond is the broadest: besides replying, it covers reacting to any stimulus (respond to treatment, respond to a crisis), where reply and answer don't fit.