A2verb1K

React

UK /["/riˈækt/","/riˈækts/","/riˈæktɪd/","/riˈæktɪŋ/"]/US /["/riˈækt/","/riˈækts/","/riˈæktɪd/","/riˈæktɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to change or behave in a particular way as a result of or in response to something

In simple words: To respond to something.

Examples

  • She always knows how to react to unexpected situations.
  • The teacher asked the students how they would react in that scenario.
  • He didn't know how to react when he heard the news.
  • In science class, we learned about how chemicals react with each other.
  • The body will react differently to various types of medication.

Usage notes

Commonly used in both spoken and written English. Suitable in formal and informal contexts. Avoid using it in overly casual settings where simpler words like 'say' might be more appropriate.

Grammar pattern

react + to + object

Memory hint

Think of 'react' as 're-act', like acting again in response to something.

Collocations

  • strongly
  • favourably/​favorably
  • positively
  • tend to
  • be slow to
  • not know how to
  • against
  • by
  • to
  • strongly
  • favourably/​favorably
  • positively
  • tend to
  • be slow to
  • not know how to
  • against
  • by
  • to
  • strongly
  • favourably/​favorably
  • positively
  • tend to
  • be slow to
  • not know how to
  • against
  • by
  • to

Synonyms

  • respond
  • reply
  • counter
  • answer

Antonyms

  • ignore
  • overlook
  • neglect

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'act' instead of 'react'.
  • Using the incorrect preposition (should be 'react to', not 'react with').
  • Forget to specify what is being reacted to.