respond

[ ri-spond ]
/ rɪˈspɒnd /

verb (used without object)

verb (used with object)

to say in answer; reply.

noun

Architecture. a half pier, pilaster, or the like projecting from a wall as a support for a lintel or an arch, the other side of which is supported on a free-standing pier or column.
Ecclesiastical.
  1. a short anthem chanted at intervals during the reading of a lection.
  2. responsory.
  3. response.

Origin of respond

1350–1400; (noun) Middle English: responsory < Old French, derivative of respondre to respond < Latin respondēre to promise in return, reply, answer, equivalent to re- re- + spondēre to pledge, promise (see sponsor); (v.) < Latin respondēre

OTHER WORDS FROM respond

o·ver·re·spond, verb un·re·spond·ing, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for respond

British Dictionary definitions for respond

respond
/ (rɪˈspɒnd) /

verb

to state or utter (something) in reply
(intr) to act in reply; react to respond by issuing an invitation
(intr foll by to) to react favourably this patient will respond to treatment
an archaic word for correspond

noun

architect a pilaster or an engaged column that supports an arch or a lintel
Christianity a choral anthem chanted in response to a lesson read at a church service

Derived forms of respond

respondence or respondency, noun responder, noun

Word Origin for respond

C14: from Old French respondre, from Latin rēspondēre to return like for like, from re- + spondēre to pledge; see spouse, sponsor