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

Participants were put on long waitlists, landlords didn’t accept vouchers, or referral options were not responsive to participants’ immediate needs. —Lauren Cattaneo, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2024

The film’s themes struck a responsive chord in a country where dissent had been criminalized and the fear of arbitrary arrest was pervasive. —Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2024

Customer service has been responsive in our experience. —PCMAG, 10 Apr. 2024

To offer work that is a living thing, responsive to the world around it, is a unique experience. —Alex Edelman, TIME, 5 Apr. 2024

Accessibility and Customer Support: Availability of products in various regions and responsive customer support are important factors. —Lara Stewart, Discover Magazine, 2 Apr. 2024

The touchscreen on the monitor is fast and responsive, though the retractable touchscreen remote is helpful during meal service or when laying down. —Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024

To many methadone clinics, the Biden administration’s recent refresh of the rules governing opioid treatment programs represents an unprecedented opportunity to offer care that is more compassionate and responsive to patients’ needs. —Lev Facher, STAT, 12 Mar. 2024

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

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