reaction
/riˈæk.ʃən/ IELTSAcademic
noun
- 1.
A reaction is something you do, say, or feel in response to an event, person, or situation. It can be a physical, emotional, or spoken response.
- Her reaction was immediate.
- I had no reaction at all.
- What was his reaction to the news?
- 2.
In science, a reaction is a change or process caused by mixing substances or by an action on the body.
- The chemicals caused a strong reaction.
- This medicine may cause allergic reactions.
- The reaction happened quickly.
Adinary Nuance
Reaction is a broad word for a response to something. It is more general than response, which often sounds more neutral and formal. Reaction can also suggest a sudden or emotional reply, especially in speech and news writing. Use response when you want to sound calmer or more measured.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- phản ứng
- Spanish
- reacción
- Chinese
- 反应
- Japanese
- 反応
- Korean
- 반응
Etymology
Reaction came into English in the 1600s from French réaction, based on Latin re- meaning 'back' and actio meaning 'a doing'. It first meant an action in return, then a response.
Common phrases
reaction tostrong reactionpublic reactionchemical reaction
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between reaction and response?
- Reaction is often more immediate and emotional. Response can sound more neutral and thoughtful.
- Is reaction used in science?
- Yes. In science, it often means a change caused by mixing substances or by contact.
- Can I say 'my reaction was good'?
- Yes, but it sounds more natural to say 'my reaction was positive' or 'I reacted well'.
- Is reaction a formal word?
- It is common in both speaking and writing, including academic and business English.