Feedback: meaning, definitions and examples

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feedback

 

[ ˈfiːdbæk ]

Context #1 | Noun

communication

Information about reactions to a product, a person's performance of a task, etc. which is used as a basis for improvement.

Synonyms

comment, critique, response.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
feedback

Used when providing information or opinions about someone's work or performance to help them improve. It can be both positive and negative.

  • The teacher gave us feedback on our essays.
  • I appreciate your feedback on the presentation.
response

A general reply or reaction to a question, statement, or situation. It is more neutral and can relate to any kind of communication.

  • I sent a response to their inquiry.
  • Her response to the criticism was calm and measured.
comment

Typically used for simple or brief remarks that express an opinion or reaction. Comments can be informal and are often found in social media or casual conversations.

  • She left a comment on the blog post.
  • Do you have any comments on this topic?
critique

A detailed analysis and assessment of someone's work, usually by an expert in the field. The term often implies a more formal evaluation and can have a negative connotation when pointing out flaws.

  • The professor's critique of the student's thesis was thorough.
  • He published a critique of the new art exhibit.

Examples of usage

  • The company gathered feedback from customers to improve their services.
  • She asked her colleagues for feedback on her presentation.
  • We value your feedback on our new website design.
Context #2 | Noun

evaluation

The process of giving information or opinions about the quality of a product or performance.

Synonyms

appraisal, assessment, review.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
feedback

General communication about performance or work, often used in both professional and informal settings.

  • I received feedback from my manager about the project.
  • She asked for feedback on her presentation.
assessment

General evaluation or analysis of something which may be formal or informal, often used in educational and professional environments.

  • The teacher is conducting an assessment of the students' progress.
  • We need to do a risk assessment before starting the project.
review

Evaluation or examination of something, commonly used for both formal and informal settings, such as performance, products, or services.

  • I need to write a review of this book for my class.
  • He went through a performance review at work.
appraisal

Formal evaluation of performance, usually in a professional context, often tied to salary adjustments or promotions.

  • The annual appraisal meeting is scheduled for next week.
  • An appraisal can help employees understand areas for improvement.

Examples of usage

  • The teacher provided feedback on the students' essays.
  • I appreciate your feedback on the project proposal.
  • The feedback from the focus group was very insightful.
Context #3 | Noun

reaction

The response to a stimulus, situation, or information.

Synonyms

opinion, reaction, response.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
feedback

Professional or formal settings where someone provides comments, suggestions, or critiques for improvement.

  • The manager gave feedback on the team's performance
  • The teacher provided feedback on the student's essay
response

Reply or answer to a question, request, or statement, can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • I sent an email but haven't received a response yet
  • Her response to the invitation was positive
reaction

Emotional or physical response to an event or situation, can be positive or negative.

  • His reaction to the surprise party was priceless
  • The public's reaction to the new policy was mixed
opinion

Personal views or beliefs about a subject, often used in casual or informal conversations.

  • In my opinion, this movie is the best one of the year
  • She asked for his opinion on the new restaurant

Examples of usage

  • Her feedback to the news was one of shock and disbelief.
  • The feedback from the audience was overwhelmingly positive.
  • I want to hear your feedback on the new policy changes.

Translations

Translations of the word "feedback" in other languages:

🇵🇹 feedback

🇮🇳 प्रतिक्रिया

🇩🇪 Rückmeldung

🇮🇩 umpan balik

🇺🇦 зворотний зв'язок

🇵🇱 informacja zwrotna

🇯🇵 フィードバック

🇫🇷 retour d'information

🇪🇸 retroalimentación

🇹🇷 geri bildirim

🇰🇷 피드백

🇸🇦 تغذية راجعة

🇨🇿 zpětná vazba

🇸🇰 spätná väzba

🇨🇳 反馈

🇸🇮 povratne informacije

🇮🇸 endurgjöf

🇰🇿 кері байланыс

🇬🇪 უკუკავშირი

🇦🇿 əks əlaqə

🇲🇽 retroalimentación

Etymology

The term 'feedback' originated in the field of electronics in the early 20th century, where it referred to the process of returning part of the output of a circuit, system, or process to the input. Over time, the concept of feedback expanded to other domains such as communication, psychology, and education, where it is now commonly used to describe the process of providing information or reactions for improvement.

See also: feed, feeder, feeding.