responsive

adjective

re·​spon·​sive ri-ˈspän(t)-siv 

1

: giving response : constituting a response : answering

a responsive glance

responsive aggression

2

: quick to respond or react appropriately or sympathetically : sensitive

3

: using responses

a responsive liturgy

responsively adverb

responsiveness noun

Did you know?

Responsive comes from the joining of Latin responsus with the suffix -ivus, which gave English -ive. That suffix changes verbs into adjectives, as in suggestive or corrosive. Responsus is a form of respondēre, which means "to answer" and is the source of English's respond. Responsive enters the language with the meaning "giving response" or "answering." Examples are "a responsive letter" or "a responsive glance." Nowadays, it variously describes people or things that immediately respond or react to something, such as "a responsive audience" or "a car with responsive steering."

Examples of responsive in a Sentence

The patient was not responsive to the treatment.

The store is very responsive to the needs of its customers.

Recent Examples on the Web

The throttle and steering are more responsive and shifts grow more aggressive. —Mark Phelan, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025

But now, more than ever, the majority of teens are turning to responsive AI chatbots like ChatGPT—whether parents realize it or not. —Liz Regalia, Parents, 26 Sep. 2025

Earlier this summer, researchers from the University of Cambridge and University College London developed a new type of responsive synthetic skin made from a single hydrogel that can detect touch, pressure, heat, cold, and even damage. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 25 Sep. 2025

The Tonale is fun to drive in sport mode, with responsive steering and a competent suspension. —Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 25 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing responsive

• hyper-responsive

Rhymes for responsive

• nonresponsive
• unresponsive

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Kids Definition

responsive

adjective

re·​spon·​sive ri-ˈspän(t)-siv 

1

: giving response : being an answer

a responsive smile

2

: quick to respond or react sympathetically : sensitive

responsive to the needs of the poor

responsively adverb

responsiveness noun

Medical Definition

responsive

adjective

re·​spon·​sive ri-ˈspän(t)-siv 

: making a response

especially : responding to treatment

pain responsive to opioids