RSVP

/ˌɑːr.es.viːˈpiː/ French Origin Culture

Original Word

répondez s'il vous plaît

French

Entered English

19th century

First recorded usage in English

The Story Behind "RSVP"

From French 'répondez s'il vous plaît', literally 'respond if you please'. A polite request for confirmation of attendance at an event. Standard on formal invitations since the 19th century.

Example Usage

"The wedding invitation says RSVP by June 1st."

All French Loanwords Look Up in Dictionary

More French Loanwords

fiancé — fiancé Culture · 19th century bouquet — bouquet Culture · 18th century faux pas — faux pas Culture · 17th century rendezvous — rendez-vous Culture · 16th century déjà vu — déjà-vu Psychology · Early 20th century entrepreneur — entrepreneur Business · 19th century café — café Food & Drink · 19th century restaurant — restaurant Food & Drink · 19th century