RSVP Meaning and Proper Usage

Meaning 1：please reply (RSVP)

RSVP 🔊

/ɑːr ɛs viː piː/

A polite request on an invitation asking people to tell the host if they will attend.

RSVP highlighted on invitation with phone and pen

please reply 🔊

➕

/pliːz rɪˈplaɪ/

An acronym used on invitations to politely request that the invitee inform the host whether they will attend.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Acronym from French "répondez s'il vous plaît" meaning "please reply".

💡 Mnemonic

RSVP: Remember to Send Verification Please — a quick way to recall its meaning.

📖 Example

The birthday card says, "RSVP by next Tuesday so I know how much cake to buy." 🔊 The birthday card says, "Please reply by next Tuesday so I know how much cake to buy."

🔗 Collocations

request an RSVP – ask for a response to an invitation

send your RSVP – submit your reply to the host

RSVP deadline – the final date to respond

🔄 Synonyms

response (n.) – A reply or answer to an invitation

confirmation (n.) – A statement that one will attend

acknowledgment (n.) – A formal notice of receipt and intention

🚫 Antonyms

ignore (v.) – To deliberately not respond to an invitation

decline (v.) – To politely say one will not attend

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from the French phrase "répondez s'il vous plaît" used on formal invitations since the 19th century to request a response.