response-n; 4 Senses

Sense Number 1: Causative result, consequence

Commentary: RESPONSE[+event][+result][+consequence] [+relation][+role][+consequence] Something that occurs as a result of something else. This will usually be a conscious act.
NOTE: often in the phrase 'in response to X'
NOTE: Answers the question: what happens because of it?
NOTE: event A can cause event B to occur

Examples:
The United States threatened a military response to the buildup of Soviet soldiers in Eastern Europe.
The situation developed as a response to events in Africa.
Our business needs an effective response to whatever the competition does.
We received 400 applications in response to our job ad. (focus is on one event causing another - sending apps)
The company has increased production of its pink designer jeans in response to demand.

Mappings:
PropBank: response.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 2: Physical process, often a physiological reaction

Commentary: RESPONSE[+event][+action][-volitional][+excitation][+stimulus][+physiological/+electrical] A reaction, often biological, to a stimulus.
NOTE: X{+recipient}{-volitional} respond PP(to Y{+cause/+agent})
NOTE: implies a non-volitional reaction by a -volitional recipient (unlike Sense 4)
NOTE: Answers the question: what/who reacted to a physical stimulus?

Examples:
The body's response to stress is an increase in blood pressure.
Has the patient shown any response to the medication? (in this context the patient is non-volitional)
The comatose patient had no response to pain.
The immune system's response to the antigen was weak.
Many simple organisms only have a few responses to stimuli.
The sprinter had a quick response time because he practiced his starts so often.
This chart shows the frequency response of these new hi-fidelity speakers. (speaker responds to frequency input)

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 3: Verbal reply

Commentary: RESPONSE[+event][+action][+volitional][+verbal][+reply][+spoken/+written] An act of speech or writing that occurs in reaction to another; Usually an answer to a question or request.
NOTE: Answers the question - what was said or written?

Examples:
I left a message on John's answering machine, but so far I've received no response.
She just growled a response when I asked her a question.
John wrote a response to his critics.
The folk song uses a familiar "call and response" format.
You should write a one-page response to my question.
The liturgy includes responses given by the congregation to questions asked by the minister.
The number of responses on the test that John got correct were 88 percent.

Mappings:
PropBank: response.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 4: Manner of reception

Commentary: RESPONSE[+action][+volitional][+perceivable][+reaction] The way that something is greeted, or its reception. A social reaction.
NOTE: implies perceivable reaction by a conscious, volitional recipient. (unlike Sense 2)
NOTE: answers the question: who chose to express their reaction to what?

Examples:
The President's light-hearted jokes met a cold response from Senate Republicans.
An extended jazzy piano solo drew the biggest response from the crowd.
They were disappointed in the public's response to their political ads.
The response to help the flood victims has been overwhelming.

Mappings:
PropBank: response.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1