French word

réaction

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁeaksjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine nounreaction

Example

Sa réaction m'a surpris.

His reaction surprised me.

Illustration for réaction (reaction)

More examples

Elle a développé une réaction allergique après avoir mangé des fruits de mer.

She developed an allergic reaction after eating seafood.

Core concept

A visible or felt return from something that has just happened, whether in the body, feelings, or interaction.

Common phrases

  • avoir une réaction

    have a reaction

  • réaction allergique

    allergic reaction

  • la réaction du public

    the audience's reaction

Similar words

réflexe: An unconscious bodily response that occurs quickly after an outside stimulus.
émotion: An inner feeling or emotional state, such as joy or sadness.

Definition in French

Changement ou réponse immédiate à une action, à un événement ou à un stimulus, pouvant être de nature physique, émotionnelle ou sociale.

Word origin

French réaction comes from Medieval Latin reactio, formed from Latin reagere, meaning to act back, with re- meaning again and agere meaning to do or drive.

Usage tips

  • French uses réaction à for the event or stimulus that triggers it, while réponse often points to an answer or reply.

Other meanings

  • backlashnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word