Kevin
February 8, 2022
Common Questions

Do you know the definition of the abbreviation RSVP? This guide will provide you with the meaning of RSVP, its usage, examples, and more!

As Cher Horowitz once said, it does not say RSVP on the Statue of Liberty. If you’ve seen the abbreviation RSVP in media like Clueless or on invitations, you might be wondering what exactly these initials mean. Read on for the meaning of RSVP and so much more!

What Does RSVP Usually Stand For?

RSVP stands for “repondez s’il vous plait.” This is a French phrase that means please respond. RSVP is used to request a response to a party invitation. The RSVP date is a hard deadline for receiving a response card with a yes or no response.

If a guest cannot attend the event, they will RSVP no and send their regrets. If a guest can attend the event, they will RSVP yes. Often, a return envelope is included along with the RSVP cards if the invitation is sent by mail so people can easily send in their RSVPs.

There are many cases where a host might request an RSVP to an event, such as a wedding invitation, formal event, or another important party. This French acronym is commonly used to request a reply so that the host can have a headcount for food or other event requirements.

How Can the Term RSVP Be Used in a Sentence?

This French initialism RSVP can be used in many different example sentences. Take a look at the sentences below to see how RSVP is often used. Then try coming up with your own example sentences for RSVP!

I RSVP’d no to the wedding invitation I received. I’m going to be traveling in July and sent my regrets.

No one has RSVP’d to my birthday party yet. I am getting nervous that all of the people I invited are busy that night in September.

I am allowed a plus one to the event, so I will respond with a plural RSVP and write my girlfriend’s name as the second guest.

I was invited to many different events on Facebook. My calendar is filling up, and I will not be able to RSVP yes to all of them.

What Is the Etymology of the Term RSVP?

The term RSVP originated as a French phrase. The French sentence “Répondez, S’il Vous Plaît” directly translates to “reply if it pleases you.” However, while this is a French term, RSVP is not used in France to respond to invitations.

The term RSVP is now considered to be fairly old-fashioned in France. There are several different ways you can request a response on your invitation:

Prière de Répondre: A more formal phrase that means “pray do respond”
Réponse souhaitée avant la (date): Response wanted before the (date)
Merci de confirmer ta présence le plus tôt possible en contactant au (#) ou (email): Thank you for confirming your presence asap by calling (#) or (email)
Merci de me confirmer ta présence: Thank you for confirming your presence
Confirmez votre participation avant la [date]: Confirm your participation before the (date)
Réponse souhaitée: Response wanted

If RSVP is no longer used in French, why is it still used in English? In 1066, the Battle of Hastings occurred. William the Conqueror of Normandy invaded England, defeating King Harold II.

The Scandinavian king spoke Norse French and made this the official language used in the English court. Norse French merged with the Anglo-Saxon language, so we see many different French loan words in English.

This term began to be used in the 10th century and made its way across the Atlantic to the United States in the 19th century. By this time, participation in all things French, like the French language, were considered a tenant of high society.

What Are Other French Terms That Are Used in English?

Surprisingly enough, numerous different French terms are used in English! Below are a few common terms that you may not know came from the French language from Your Dictionary:

protégé: someone influenced by mentor
bon voyage: have good trip
rendezvous: pre-arranged meeting or meeting place
gaffe: clumsy remark or error
courage: bravery
genre: category, kind or type of written work
dinette: small dining room or dining set
en garde: be on your guard
connoisseur: expert in subject, usually food or art
excusez-moi: excuse me
apropos: opportune, pertinent, with regard to
bureau: government department or office
voilà: there it is
cliché: overused expression or idea; stereotype
fiance/fiancé: person engaged to be married
cul-de-sac: dead end on street
laissez-faire: belief that people cdo what they want without interference
faux pas: social blunder
au pair: nanny or babysitter who works for room and board
déjà vu: feeling you’ve experienced something before
papier-mâché: material made of paper pulp mixed with glue
clique: exclusive group of friends
je ne sais quoi: quality that’s hard to describe
début: the first performance of group
beau: love interest
chauffeur: person who drives others
debacle: complete failure; fiasco
carte blanche: having full authority to do what you want
au contraire: on the contrary
entrepreneur: someone who starts their own business
touché: good point
joie de vivre: joy of living
souvenir: memento or keepsake

Conclusion

The abbreviation RSVP stands for the French phrase répondez s’il vous plaît, which is used to confirm an invitation. This usage is common for many events where people are invited by mail, but today people also use digital RSVPs.

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Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.