/ rɪˈspɒns; NAmE rɪˈspɑːns/ noun response (to sb/sth)
1.
[ C , U ] a spoken or written answer :
She made no response.
In response to your inquiry ...
I received an encouraging response to my advertisement.
2.
[ C , U ] a reaction to sth that has happened or been said :
The news provoked an angry response.
a positive response
I knocked on the door but there was no response.
The product was developed in response to customer demand.
We sent out over 1 000 letters but the response rate has been low (= few people replied) .
3.
[ C , usually pl. ] a part of a church service that the people sing or speak as an answer to the part that the priest sings or speaks
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French respons or Latin responsum something offered in return, neuter past participle of respondere , from re- again + spondere to pledge.