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reaction

[riˈækʃən]

reaction Definition

  • 1a response to something that has happened or been said
  • 2a chemical process in which substances are changed into others

Using reaction: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "reaction" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    Her reaction to the news was one of shock and disbelief.

  • Example

    The company's reaction to the crisis was swift and effective.

  • Example

    The medication can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

  • Example

    The reaction between baking soda and vinegar produces carbon dioxide gas.

reaction Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for reaction

Antonyms for reaction

Idioms Using reaction

  • have a knee-jerk reaction

    to react quickly and without thinking carefully

    Example

    He tends to have a knee-jerk reaction to any criticism.

  • the time it takes to respond to a stimulus

    Example

    His reaction time was slow due to his fatigue.

  • to cause a series of events to happen

    Example

    The announcement set off a chain reaction of protests.

Phrases with reaction

  • a series of events, each caused by the previous one

    Example

    The accident on the highway caused a chain reaction of collisions.

  • an instinctive feeling, without logical reasoning

    Example

    My gut reaction is that we should decline the offer.

  • an excessive or exaggerated response to a situation

    Example

    I think you're having an overreaction to the criticism.

Origins of reaction

from Late Latin 'reactio', from Latin 're-' (expressing reversal) + 'actio' (action)

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Summary: reaction in Brief

The term 'reaction' [riˈækʃən] refers to a response to something that has happened or been said, or a chemical process in which substances are changed into others. It spans contexts from personal reactions to news or events, to chemical reactions like 'The reaction between baking soda and vinegar produces carbon dioxide gas.' 'Reaction' extends into phrases like 'chain reaction,' and idioms like 'have a knee-jerk reaction,' denoting quick, unthinking responses, and 'set off a reaction,' implying a series of events.

How do native speakers use this expression?