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 difference, Tillmon said, is that whereas law enforcement is more responsive in nature, violence interrupters act before a situation breaches a level of crime. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025

With a 144Hz refresh rate and FreeSync support, gameplay stays responsive, while Google TV brings all the major streaming apps along with hands-free Google Assistant and Apple AirPlay. —PC Magazine, 30 Aug. 2025

As additive manufacturing technology becomes more widespread, the researchers believe customizable tactile interfaces may soon become standard across consumer products, healthcare devices, and robotics, paving the way for the next generation of smart, responsive systems. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2025

Scattered across the country, these elevators are collection points as well as command centers equipped with tools that help farmers get the best value while keeping the supply chain agile and responsive. —Gary McGuigan, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 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