react
ree-AKT
React (verb) means to act, respond, or behave in a particular way because of something that has happened. Example: “Cats often react badly to loud noises, so keep the room quiet.”
verb
1
To act, respond, or behave in a particular way because of something that has happened.
"Cats often react badly to loud noises, so keep the room quiet."
"She reacted angrily to the news."
"How did he react when you told him?"
2
Of chemical substances, to undergo a transformation when combined with another substance.
"Vinegar reacts with baking soda to make a lot of fizzing bubbles."
"When iron reacts with oxygen and water, it slowly turns to rust."
"Sodium reacts violently with water."
3
To add a small icon or emoji to a social media post to express a feeling about it.
"Click here to react to your friend's photo with a heart."
"Several colleagues reacted to the announcement with a thumbs-up on the group chat."
"Dozens of people reacted to her post with a laughing emoji."
How to use react
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo respond to something — with a feeling, an action, or (for chemicals) a transformation.
Common pairings
react to news
react quickly
chemicals react
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Word forms
- Plural
- reacts
- Third person singular
- reacts
- Past tense
- reacted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Cats often _____ badly to loud noises, so keep the room quiet.
Etymology
Built from re- ("again") and act, echoing the Latin reagere ("to act back").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for react
See all rhymes for react →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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