responsive

adjective

re·​spon·​sive ri-ˈspän(t)-siv How to pronounce responsive (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Those who suffer from PPD may be less responsive to their children's cognitive and emotional needs, which can affect healthy development and the capacity for self-regulation. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025 IoT sensors provide real-time insights, making operations more responsive and reducing the need for manual inspections. Oleg Fonarov, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 The phone is generally responsive and seamlessly switches between apps and games. PCMAG, 20 Mar. 2025 But Gazans have no ability to control or restrain Hamas, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not responsive to the preferences of the Israeli public. Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for responsive

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of responsive was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Responsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/responsive. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

responsive

adjective
re·​spon·​sive ri-ˈspän(t)-siv How to pronounce responsive (audio)
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 How to pronounce responsive (audio)
: making a response
especially : responding to treatment
pain responsive to opioids

More from Merriam-Webster on responsive

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