be responsive

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   React quickly and positively to what someone says, asks, or needs.

   Grammar: Use 'be responsive to someone or something'; the 'to' is required before the person or thing you react to.

   Patterns

   • be responsive to someone
   • be responsive to something
   • be responsive to someone's needs

   The manager was responsive to every complaint we sent.

   Good teachers are responsive to the mood of the class.

   If the company is not responsive to customers, people stop buying.

2. 2phrasefixed phrasetechnical

   Work or react quickly when something changes or is used.

   Grammar: Often used of machines, systems, or services; the meaning is about speed, not kindness.

   Patterns

   • be responsive to changes
   • be responsive to input

   The new software is responsive to touch and loads in a second.

   A good website should be responsive to the size of the screen.

Common combinations

be responsive to needs

The staff were responsive to the needs of older patients.

be highly responsive

This model is highly responsive and rarely freezes.

be responsive to feedback

She is responsive to feedback and edits her work quickly.

be quick to respond

He is quick to respond to any email within an hour.

Synonyms and how they differ

receptive

Receptive means you are willing to listen or accept ideas; it does not stress acting quickly the way 'be responsive' does.

attentive

Attentive means you pay careful attention; 'be responsive' goes further and includes doing something about it.

Opposites

Word family

respond verb

To answer or react to something.

response noun

An answer or reaction.

responsiveness noun

The quality of reacting quickly and well.

Commonly confused: be responsive or responsible?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “be responsive”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words