Feedback

Definition

Feedback refers to information, opinions, or reactions provided as a response to an action, performance, or product, with the aim of improving or evaluating the outcome. In technical contexts, it describes a process where part of the output of a system is returned as input to regulate or enhance the system's behavior.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfiːdˌbæk/
• Respelling: FEED-bak

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfiːdˌbæk/
• Respelling: FEED-bak

Etymology

The word "feedback" originates from the combination of "feed," meaning "to supply" or "nourish," and "back," indicating return. It first appeared in English in the early 20th century in technical contexts, especially in reference to electronic systems and signal processing.

Derivatives

• Feed (verb)
• Feedback loop (noun)
• Feedback mechanism (noun)
• Feedforward (noun)
• Feedback-driven (adjective)

Synonyms

• Response
• Input
• Critique

Antonyms

• Silence
• Neglect
• None

Usage

The noun "feedback" is widely used in personal, professional, and technical contexts. For example, "The teacher provided detailed feedback on the students’ essays." It is also prevalent in engineering and systems theory, such as "The circuit uses feedback to stabilize the output."

Related Terms

• Review: An evaluation or critique of a product, service, or performance.
• Signal: A transmitted message or impulse in a system.
• Evaluation: The process of assessing something's value, quality, or performance.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• Information or opinions given as a response to improve or evaluate performance: Used to describe input aimed at refining a process, product, or individual.
  • Example: "She valued the constructive feedback from her mentor."
• A loop in a system where output is returned as input: Refers to the process in engineering or biological systems where a system adjusts based on its outputs.
  • Example: "The feedback loop helped maintain the system’s stability."
• Unwanted noise or distortion in a sound system: Specifically describes high-pitched sounds caused by a loop between audio input and output.
  • Example: "The microphone produced loud feedback during the concert."