react
word
/ɹiˈækt/
ree-AKT
/ɹɪˈækt/
ree-AKT
Definition
To respond to something that happens, is said, or is felt. It can describe an emotional response, a physical response, or the way substances change when they come into contact.
Usage & Nuances
Often followed by 'to': 'react to news', 'react to a comment'. 'Respond' is usually more neutral or deliberate; 'react' often suggests a more immediate or emotional response. Also common in science: 'Hydrogen reacts with oxygen.'
Spanish: reaccionarPortuguese (BR): reagirPortuguese (PT): reagirChinese (Simplified): 反应 - 作出反应Chinese (Traditional): 反應 - 作出反應Hindi: प्रतिक्रिया देना - प्रतिक्रिया करनाArabic: يتفاعل - يستجيبBengali: প্রতিক্রিয়া করা - সাড়া দেওয়াRussian: реагироватьJapanese: 反応するVietnamese: phản ứngKorean: 반응하다Turkish: tepki göstermek - karşılık vermekUrdu: رد عمل کرناIndonesian: bereaksi
Example Sentences
How did she react to the news?
basic
Some people react badly to cold weather.
basic
These two chemicals react quickly.
basic
Try not to react too fast — hear the whole story first.
natural
I wasn't sure how he'd react, so I chose my words carefully.
natural
The internet always reacts strongly to stuff like this.
natural