This is the 687th most frequent Italian word.
risponde
"Risponde" means "he/she/it responds" or "answers" in English.
The verb 'risponde' here means 'answers' in the context of responding verbally to a question.
L'insegnante risponde alla domanda dello studente.
The teacher answers the student's question.
The verb 'risponde' indicates 'answers' but metaphorically refers to the phone being picked up or connected when it rings.
Il telefono risponde subito quando qualcuno chiama.
The phone answers right away when someone calls.
The verb 'risponde' conveys 'responds', used figuratively to describe a natural or poetic reaction.