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

Its adjustable lumbar system, flexible seat edge, and responsive backrest ensure optimal comfort and posture alignment, ideal for those with active workstyles. —Bethany Braun-Silva, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2024

Welfare programs have become more responsive. India — especially in banking and business transactions — has made a widespread digital leap. —Alex Travelli, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2024

Senate lawmakers were responsive to those concerns. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 29 Mar. 2024

This technological pivot is instrumental in evolving Alpha's ESG framework, enabling a more dynamic and responsive approach to sustainability assessment. —Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

Like, Elon Musk seems very responsive to the posters on Twitter. —Nilay Patel, The Verge, 25 Mar. 2024

The vegan leather gives the wrist rest a comfortable grip that felt good against my wrist, while each button press was clean and responsive, letting out a satisfying click with every action. —PCMAG, 22 Mar. 2024

This pair also has a thick rubber outsole that’s durable and responsive. —Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2024

The company was responsive when employees identified problems, Barnett said, but the culture began to shift. —Lori Aratani, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 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