verb B1 Intermediate Common

react

ree-AKT

React (verb) means to act, respond, or behave in a particular way because of something that has happened. Example: “She reacted angrily to the news.”

verb

To act, respond, or behave in a particular way because of something that has happened.

"She reacted angrily to the news."

"How did he react when you told him?"

Of chemical substances, to undergo a transformation when combined with another substance.

"Sodium reacts violently with water."

To add a small icon or emoji to a social media post to express a feeling about it.

"Dozens of people reacted to her post with a laughing emoji."

How to use react

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo respond to something — with a feeling, an action, or (for chemicals) a transformation.

Common pairings

react to news react quickly chemicals react

Word forms

reacted past tense, reacts plural, reacts singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She _____ angrily to the news.

Etymology

Built from re- ("again") and act, echoing the Latin reagere ("to act back").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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respond reply retaliate reciprocate answer act

Related words

play doing law act wait action comes answer

Rhymes for react

overreact

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Frequently asked questions

What does “react” mean?

The word “react” means to act, respond, or behave in a particular way because of something that has happened. In plain terms, to respond to something — with a feeling, an action, or (for chemicals) a transformation.

How do you pronounce “react”?

“React” is pronounced ree-AKT (/ɹiːˈækt/ in IPA).

How do you use “react” in a sentence?

Here is “react” used in a sentence: “She reacted angrily to the news.”

What part of speech is “react”?

“React” is a verb.

Where does the word “react” come from?

The word “react” comes from Latin. Built from re- ("again") and act, echoing the Latin reagere ("to act back").

Is “react” a common word?

“React” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “react” have?

“React” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to act, respond, or behave in a particular way because of something that has happened.

What is the difference between "react" and "respond"?

To "react" suggests a fairly immediate or instinctive action caused by something that has happened, often emotional. To "respond" tends to suggest a more considered or deliberate reply, though the two overlap in everyday use.

Which preposition goes with "react"?

The verb "react" is normally followed by "to," as in she reacted to the news calmly. In its chemical sense it takes "with," as in acids react with metals.

What is the difference between "react" and "overreact"?

To "react" simply means to act or behave in a particular way because of something that has happened. To "overreact" means to react more strongly or emotionally than the situation calls for.

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