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

If at some point during the seven-minute clip viewers stop smiling, the responsive technology will pause the video. —Andrés Buenahora, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024

While Iran's government has yet to outline a responsive strike, Iran's government has increased threats against Israel and the U.S. in recent days. —Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024

Puma says its shoe testers found that the padding feels softer and more responsive than the materials in your typical stability shoe. —Jennifer Heimlich, SELF, 4 Nov. 2024

Educators will find relevant seminars on culturally responsive teaching in the digital age, plus a comprehensive STEM Education Showcase exploring resources for schools serving Black communities. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 3 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing responsive

• hyper-responsive

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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