What is reaction? Pronunciation and usage in English

reaction means . Learn how to pronounce and use reaction through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of reaction

reactionnoun

/rɪˈakʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of reaction

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "reaction" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

The Most Common and Accepted Pronunciation:

  • ˈrek.ʃən (rhymes with "checkin'")

    • ˈrek: This part sounds like "reak" – short and quick. It's a stressed syllable.
    • ʃən: This part sounds like "shun." The "ch" is pronounced like "sh," not "k."

Breaking it Down Further:

  1. "Re-" (as in "return"): This part is similar to the beginning of the word "recreate."

  2. "-action": This is where the pronunciation gets a little trickier. It's not pronounced like "action" as in "action movie."

    • The “-tion” part is pronounced like “shun.”

Tips for Getting It Right:

  • Listen to Examples: The best way to learn is to hear it said. Here are a few resources:

    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce reaction" on Google and listen to the audio examples.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/reaction/ – This website has pronunciations from native speakers around the world.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce reaction" on YouTube; you'll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

  • Focus on the "shun" sound: Really concentrate on making that “shun” sound at the end. It’s the key to getting it right.

  • Don't overemphasize the "re-" part: It’s a subtle sound.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you more examples of words that sound similar?

Usage and examples with the word reaction in English

Let's break down how to use the word "reaction" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (Most Common Usage):

  • A response to something: This is the most frequent use. It refers to how someone or something responds to a stimulus, event, or situation.

    • Example: "His reaction to the bad news was shock and tears." (His response was shock and tears.)
    • Example: "The company had a strong reaction to the new marketing campaign." (People responded strongly – positively or negatively.)
    • Example: "The body’s reaction to injury includes swelling and pain." (The body responded with swelling and pain.)

  • A chemical reaction: In science, it refers to a process involving chemical change.

    • Example: "The scientists studied the reaction between the two chemicals."

  • A physiological reaction: Similar to the above, but referring to changes in the body.

    • Example: "She experienced a rapid reaction after the injection." (Her body reacted quickly.)

2. As a Verb (Less Common, but Important):

  • To respond: To react is to respond, typically in a sudden or noticeable way.

    • Example: “He reacted angrily to the insult.” (He responded angrily.)
    • Example: "The stock market reacted quickly to the news." (The market responded quickly.)

  • To produce a reaction: To cause someone to react.

    • Example: "The loud noise reacted him into a panic." (The loud noise caused him to panic.)

3. Different Types of Reactions:

It’s helpful to understand the type of reaction being described. Here are some common categories:

  • Immediate Reaction: A reaction that happens right away. “Her immediate reaction was to apologize.”
  • Delayed Reaction: A reaction that happens after a period of time. “He had a delayed reaction to the medication.”
  • Emotional Reaction: A reaction driven by feelings. “She had a strong emotional reaction to the story.”
  • Physical Reaction: A reaction involving the body’s physical responses. “His physical reaction was to sweat and tremble.”
  • Positive Reaction: A reaction that is favorable. “The audience had a positive reaction to the performance.”
  • Negative Reaction: A reaction that is unfavorable. “The company received a negative reaction to the product design.”

4. Phrases Using "Reaction":

  • Have a reaction: To experience a response. "I had a reaction to the food."
  • React to something: To respond to something. "He reacted to the criticism."
  • React strongly/weakly: To react with intensity or a lack of intensity. "She reacted strongly to the news."
  • A chain reaction: (Figurative) A series of events triggered by a single initial event.

Tips for Using "Reaction" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of “reaction” is usually clear from the surrounding words.
  • Consider the subject: What is reacting? (A person? A chemical? An object?)
  • Be specific: Describe what the reaction is (e.g., “He had a shocked reaction,” “The chemical reaction produced gas”).

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you working on (e.g., a story, an essay, a report)?
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you’re trying to use the word “reaction”?

Synonyms for the word reaction

Practice with vocabulary reaction

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The CEO's immediate ________ to the unexpected market crash was to convene an emergency board meeting.
  2. We observed a strong exothermic ________ when the two chemicals were mixed in the laboratory.
  3. The marketing team is actively seeking customer ________ on the new product features to guide further development.
  4. One long-term ________ of the global pandemic has been a significant shift towards remote work models.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following words best describes a sudden, often emotional, display of feeling or sentiment in response to an event? a) opinion b) impression c) reaction d) speculation

  2. When a substance undergoes a transformation due to interaction with another substance, this process is known as a chemical ________. a) experiment b) compound c) reaction d) analysis

  3. What is the most appropriate term for the measured or observable effect resulting from a specific stimulus or action? a) outcome b) repercussion c) consequence d) reaction

  4. Which terms refer to a direct communication, typically verbal or written, given in response to a question or statement? a) reply b) feedback c) reaction d) answer

  5. The final stage of a project, encompassing the complete set of deliverables and achievements, is often called the ________. a) culmination b) conclusion c) reaction d) result

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. When she heard the news, her face showed surprise and disbelief. (Rewrite using a form of "reaction")
  2. What happened as a direct result of their decision to reduce the budget? (Rewrite using a form of "reaction")
  3. The overall effect of the new policy on staff morale was positive. (Rewrite without using "reaction")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The CEO's immediate reaction to the unexpected market crash was to convene an emergency board meeting.
  2. We observed a strong exothermic reaction when the two chemicals were mixed in the laboratory.
  3. The marketing team is actively seeking customer feedback on the new product features to guide further development.
  4. One long-term consequence of the global pandemic has been a significant shift towards remote work models.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) reaction
  2. c) reaction
  3. d) reaction
  4. a) reply, d) answer
  5. a) culmination, b) conclusion, d) result

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Her reaction to the news showed surprise and disbelief on her face.
  2. What was their reaction to the decision to reduce the budget?
  3. The overall impact of the new policy on staff morale was positive.

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