re ‧ sponse S1 W1 AC /rɪˈspɒns $ rɪˈspɑːns/ BrE AmE noun
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ respondent , ↑ response , ↑ responsiveness ; verb : ↑ respond ; adverb : ↑ responsively ; adjective : ↑ responsive ≠ ↑ unresponsive ]
1 . [uncountable and countable] something that is done as a reaction to something that has happened or been said
response to
the public’s response to our appeal for help
in response to something
The law was passed in response to public pressure.
positive/favourable/negative etc response
The exhibition has received a positive response from visitors.
an emotional/angry response
The decision provoked an angry response from residents.
His immediate response was one of disbelief.
Emmett’s new exhibition has met with a favourable response from critics.
2 . [countable] something that is said or written as a reply
response to
‘Sure, why not?’ was his response to all of Billie’s suggestions.
Carl made no response, and carried on with his meal.
in response (to something)
I am writing in response to your letter of June 12.
Ronni merely groaned in response.
⇨ ↑ rapid-response
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
▪ a positive/favourable response
The product met with a highly positive response from the public.
▪ a negative response
In Russia, the planned expansion provoked a negative response.
▪ an enthusiastic response
There has been an enthusiastic response to the introduction of soccer coaching for girls.
▪ an angry response
His comments sparked an angry response from opposition politicians.
▪ a good/encouraging response (=when people like something or show interest)
We’ve had a good response from the public.
▪ sb’s immediate response
When he was sentenced, his immediate response was to appeal.
▪ a direct response
Her resignation was in direct response to the party’s poor results in the local elections.
▪ an appropriate response
She laughed, which didn't really seem an appropriate response.
▪ a strong response
The photograph provoked a strong response from many people.
▪ an emotional response
When she died, the emotional response was extraordinary.
■ verbs
▪ get a positive etc response
She got an enthusiastic response to her suggestion.
▪ receive a positive etc response (=get it)
The proposal has received a positive response from most left-wing voters.
▪ meet with a positive etc response (=get it)
The change met with a mixed response from employees.
▪ provoke a response
The report provoked a strong response from a number of senior politicians.
▪ draw/bring a response from somebody
The appeal for aid brought a big response from the West.