Expression Confusion: Raju’s Vocabulary Adventures With Papa!

Expression Confusion 1: Respond vs. React

“Raju, shall we go for a small outing?”

“Papa, I don’t know whether to respond or react.”

“Wah! Smart talk.”

“Papa, I’d actually like to know: what is the difference between ‘respond’ and ‘react’?”

“Raju, both mean ‘to answer’ or to give a reply. However, ‘respond’ is preferred for a positive reply, and ‘react’ is very often used to denote a negative reply."

"For example..

* When the minister announced the new tax scheme, the audience responded with a loud clap.

* When his friend pointed out his mistake, Ramesh reacted sharply and asked him to mind his own business.”

“Thank you, Papa. It’s clear now.”

“Are you ready to come with me?”

“Yes, Papa" — responded Raju!

Expression Confusion 2: Consciousness vs. Conscience

“Papa, I am very upset. My friend Vivek does not have conscience.”

“Oh, Raju, he does not have conscience! What crime has he committed?”

“He did not do anything wrong. He was just standing near the bus stop. A lorry hit him. He fell down and he does not remember anything after that. He is hospitalized. He does not have...”

“Wait, Raju, you should use ‘conscious’ or ‘consciousness.’ Consciousness means having all one’s senses working and being able to understand what is happening around you.”

“What does ‘conscience’ mean?”

“Conscience means an inner sense which makes one feel whether something is right or wrong.”

“Papa, my friend Vivek does not have consciousness.”

“Well, Raju, shall we meet him today?”

“Yes, Papa.”