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React Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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react

[rɪˈækt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

programming

To respond or behave in a particular way in response to something.

Synonyms

act, answer, respond.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
react

Used when discussing an immediate or instinctive response to a stimulus or situation, often emotional.

  • She didn't know how to react when she heard the news.
  • He reacted angrily to the criticism.
respond

Used when discussing a considered reply or engagement, often in a formal or structured context.

  • He responded to the email promptly.
  • The company needs to respond to the customer complaints effectively.
act

Used when referring to taking intentional or deliberate action, often related to behavior or performance.

  • He decided to act decisively to solve the problem.
  • The actor performed his role with great skill.
answer

Used when referring to replying to a question or addressing a specific query or request.

  • She didn't know how to answer his difficult question.
  • Please answer the phone.

Examples of usage

  • Many users react positively to the new update.
  • She tends to react quickly in stressful situations.
Context #2 | Noun

chemistry

A substance that is consumed in a chemical reaction.

Synonyms

compound, reagent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
react

Used when describing a response to a stimulus or action, often in a general or everyday sense. It can also be used in scientific contexts, but mainly focuses on the response aspect.

  • She didn't know how to react to the surprising news.
  • The chemicals will react when mixed together.
reagent

Primarily used in laboratory settings to describe a substance or compound that is added to a system to cause a chemical reaction or to see if a reaction occurs. This term is very specialized and is rarely used outside of scientific contexts.

  • The scientist added the reagent to the solution to observe the reaction.
  • We need to order more reagents for the lab experiments.
compound

Commonly used to describe a substance made up of two or more elements chemically bonded together. Can also refer to something consisting of multiple parts. This term is heavily utilized in scientific discussions, particularly in chemistry.

  • Water is a compound made of hydrogen and oxygen.
  • The company has a large compound with multiple buildings.

Examples of usage

  • The react is the starting material in a chemical reaction.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In chemistry, when substances interact, they undergo a reaction, creating new substances with different properties.
  • Biologically, organisms react to their environment to survive, showcasing a critical survival mechanism.
  • Neuroscience shows that our brains react to stimuli, processing information rapidly to make decisions.

Psychology

  • Emotional reactions can often reveal underlying feelings or thoughts, influencing behavior.
  • Cognitive psychology studies how we respond to various stimuli, emphasizing the importance of perception.
  • Social dynamics can alter how we react to others, showing that context matters in our responses.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters often react dramatically to surprises, creating tension and excitement in the story.
  • The phrase 'react videos' on platforms like YouTube shows people responding to content, often humorously.
  • In gaming, players must react quickly to in-game events, making reflexes a key aspect of success.

Education

  • Teachers encourage students to react to readings and discussions, fostering critical thinking and engagement.
  • Classroom environments benefit from reactions, as peer responses can enrich the learning experience.
  • Educational psychology focuses on how students react to feedback, important for motivating and improving performance.

Origin of 'react'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'react' comes from the Latin root 're-' meaning 'again' and 'agere' meaning 'to do.'
  • It was first used in English around the early 19th century, emphasizing a response or action following an event.
  • The prefix 're-' indicates that it's an action that's done in return or response to something else.

The word 'react' originated from the Latin word 're-' meaning back, and 'agere' meaning to do or act. It first appeared in the English language in the 17th century. The verb form of 'react' gained popularity in the 20th century with the rise of psychology and behavioral studies.

See also: act, acting, action, actionable, activate, active, actively, activists, activity, actor, actress, acts, actual, counteractant, enact, inactivity, overact, transact.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,881 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.