RSVP

What it means

RSVP stands for the French phrase 'répondez s'il vous plaît,' meaning 'please reply.' It appears on invitations asking guests to confirm whether they'll attend. In everyday English it's also used as a verb — to RSVP is to send that reply.

Words like “RSVP” are exactly the kind of vocabulary our English vocabulary size test measures — find out how many English words you know.

Examples

• Please RSVP by June 1st so we can plan the seating.
• Did you RSVP to the wedding yet?
• The invitation says RSVP, so let them know either way.
• We've had thirty people RSVP yes so far.

Where it comes from

Borrowed directly from French etiquette and used in English since the 19th century. Though it literally means 'please reply,' people often redundantly write 'please RSVP.'

Related abbreviations