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

For the dancer, that requires a deep understanding of Balanchine style, something she’s blossomed in at MCB, with each step acutely responsive to the music and the beauty every individual brings, honoring that legacy. —Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026

Among the meeting's participants was Andrew Bailey, the FBI's deputy director, who Torgow said was receptive and responsive to their concerns. —ABC News, 24 Mar. 2026

Through the use of AI algorithms, SC interfaces will become more intuitive and responsive. —Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026

The full-sized keyboard has a dedicated number pad, which isn't common, and we were impressed by the smooth, responsive OceanGlass touchpad. —K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026

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