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Reaction: meaning, definitions and examples

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reaction

 

[rɪˈækʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

chemical

A process in which substances act mutually on each other and are changed into different substances, or one where a substance changes into different substances.

Synonyms

chemical change, interaction, response.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reaction

Used to describe how someone feels or what they do because of something that has happened, typically in a social or emotional context.

  • Her reaction to the surprise party was priceless.
  • You could see his reaction to the news immediately on his face.
response

Describes a reply or reaction, typically verbal or written, to something that has been said, asked, or done.

  • His response to the question was detailed and thoughtful.
  • The company's response to the complaint was swift.
interaction

Refers to the process of two or more entities influencing or having an effect on each other, often used in contexts involving communication, relationships, or behavior.

  • The interaction between the teacher and students was very dynamic.
  • Chemical interaction between the substances resulted in a violent reaction.
chemical change

Describes a process in which substances change into different substances with different properties, commonly used in scientific and educational contexts.

  • Rusting of iron is a common example of a chemical change.
  • When you mix vinegar and baking soda, a chemical change occurs, producing carbon dioxide gas.

Examples of usage

  • The reaction between sodium and water produces sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
  • In a combustion reaction, oxygen reacts with a fuel to produce heat and light.
  • The reaction of baking soda and vinegar produces carbon dioxide gas.
  • The reaction of iron with oxygen forms rust.
Context #2 | Noun

emotional

A response to a situation, event, or stimulus.

Synonyms

attitude, feeling, response.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reaction

Used to describe an immediate or spontaneous response to a stimulus, event, or situation. It often denotes a physical or emotional action.

  • Her reaction to the news was a mixture of shock and disappointment.
  • The chemical reaction caused the mixture to bubble and emit gas.
response

Describes a reply or reaction to a specific question, request, or situation. It can be verbal or non-verbal and is often deliberate rather than spontaneous.

  • His response to the job offer was to accept it immediately.
  • The government's response to the crisis has been widely criticized.
feeling

Used to describe an emotional state or an intuitive sense. It is often employed when discussing emotions or personal experiences.

  • She had a feeling of joy when she won the race.
  • I have a bad feeling about this situation.
attitude

Refers to a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically reflected in a person's behavior. It often describes a general perspective or disposition.

  • Her positive attitude towards challenges helps her succeed.
  • His indifferent attitude towards criticism makes it hard for him to improve.

Examples of usage

  • Her reaction to the news was one of shock and disbelief.
  • He had a strong reaction to the medication, experiencing side effects.
Context #3 | Noun

biological

A response of an organism to a stimulus.

Synonyms

defense mechanism, response, response mechanism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reaction

A spontaneous action or thought in response to a stimulus.

  • His reaction to the news was one of surprise
  • Her laughter was a natural reaction to the funny joke
response

A deliberate or considered reply or action to a stimulus or situation.

  • Her response to the question was well thought out
  • The company's response to the crisis was swift and effective
response mechanism

The process or method that dictates how an organism or system reacts to a particular stimulus, often in a biological or technical context.

  • The immune system's response mechanism protects the body from infections
  • The machine's response mechanism ensures it adapts to changes in input data
defense mechanism

A subconscious process used to protect oneself from anxiety or stress.

  • Denial can be a defense mechanism to avoid dealing with painful truths
  • Humor might serve as a defense mechanism against sadness

Examples of usage

  • The allergic reaction caused her to break out in hives.
  • The fight or flight reaction is a natural response to danger.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'reactio', meaning 'a doing again', emphasizing the response aspect.
  • English adopted it in the early 1600s, primarily linking it with physical changes and forces.

Science

  • In chemistry, a reaction can create new substances when elements or compounds interact.
  • The famous 'chemical reaction' can be seen when baking soda and vinegar are mixed, creating bubbles of gas.
  • Biological reactions in the human body are essential for processes like digestion and breathing.

Psychology

  • Reactions can be emotional, such as feeling happy when you receive a compliment or sad when you hear bad news.
  • The theory of 'classical conditioning' suggests that our reactions can be learned through paired experiences.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, a character's unexpected reaction can lead to comedic or dramatic twists in the plot.
  • Social media often captures 'reaction videos' where people show their responses to movies, trailers, or viral content.

Literature

  • In storytelling, character reactions help to develop the plot and reveal personalities.
  • Many renowned authors explore the theme of human reactions to events, inviting readers to understand diverse perspectives.

Translations

Translations of the word "reaction" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reação

🇮🇳 प्रतिक्रिया

🇩🇪 Reaktion

🇮🇩 reaksi

🇺🇦 реакція

🇵🇱 reakcja

🇯🇵 反応 (はんのう)

🇫🇷 réaction

🇪🇸 reacción

🇹🇷 tepki

🇰🇷 반응 (반응)

🇸🇦 رد فعل

🇨🇿 reakce

🇸🇰 reakcia

🇨🇳 反应 (fǎnyìng)

🇸🇮 reakcija

🇮🇸 viðbrögð

🇰🇿 реакция

🇬🇪 რეაქცია

🇦🇿 reaksiya

🇲🇽 reacción

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,143, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.