responder
Lemma Details
Translation: to respond; to answer; to reply; to react; to be responsible for
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'respondere', which combines 're-' (back) and 'spondere' (to pledge, promise). The English cognate 'respond' shares this Latin origin. The core meaning involves giving something back—an answer, reaction, or taking responsibility—in response to a stimulus or question.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Por favor, responde a mi pregunta.
Please answer my question.
El cuerpo responde al tratamiento.
The body is responding to the treatment.
Yo respondo por él.
I vouch for him.
Ella no respondió a mi mensaje.
She didn't reply to my message.
Tendrás que responder por tus acciones.
You'll have to answer for your actions.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'respond' in English with an extra 'e' at the end.
- Remember 'responder' as 're-sponder' - to 'ponder again' before giving an answer.
- Connect with 'responsible' - when you respond, you take responsibility for your answer.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, 'responder' is not just about verbal communication but also about social responsibility. The concept of 'responder por alguien' (to vouch for someone) reflects the importance of social connections and personal honor in Hispanic cultures.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'responder' means to answer or respond, 'corresponder' means to correspond, match, or reciprocate. 'Corresponder' implies a mutual relationship or reciprocity.
Notes: 'Corresponder' can also mean 'to be someone's responsibility' as in 'Me corresponde a mí' (It's my responsibility).
Mnemonic: 'Corresponder' has 'co-' which suggests mutuality or togetherness, while 'responder' is a direct response.
Explanation: 'Responder' means to answer or respond, while 'responsabilizar' specifically means to hold someone responsible or to blame.
Confused word:
No puedes responsabilizarme por ese error.
You can't hold me responsible for that mistake.
Notes: While 'responder por algo' can mean to be responsible for something, 'responsabilizar' is more about the act of assigning blame or responsibility.
Mnemonic: 'Responsabilizar' contains the full word 'responsable' (responsible), focusing on assigning responsibility.