respondent
UK: rɪˈspɒndənt | US: rɪˈspɑːndənt
n. 1. A person who responds to a survey, questionnaire, or legal summons.
n. 2. (Law) The party against whom an appeal is filed.
adj. 1. Replying or answering.
The word "respondent" originates from Latin respondēre (to answer), combining re- (back) + spondēre (to pledge). The suffix -ent (from Latin -entem) denotes "one who does." Historically, it evolved from legal and formal contexts, where a "respondent" was someone bound to answer a claim or question. The root spond- also appears in "sponsor" (one who pledges) and "response," reflecting a shared idea of commitment or reply.
The survey had a 70% response rate, with 500 respondents completing it.
In court, the respondent denied all allegations made by the appellant.
As a respondent in the study, she provided detailed feedback.
The lawyer cross-examined the respondent during the hearing.
Respondents to the advertisement received a free sample.