répondrastu

Répondrastu is a coined term used in online discussions of discourse analysis and prompt design to describe a particular style of response. It refers to a prompt or answer that foregrounds context-sensitivity by explicitly outlining assumptions, potential interpretations, and conditional steps before delivering a final reply. In practice, répondrastu prompts often invite multi-layered answers that balance brevity with transparency about reasoning and uncertainties.

Origin and etymology are not firmly documented. The term emerged in late 2010s to early 2020s internet communities exploring how AI systems could be guided to be more explicit about their reasoning and the conditions under which a given conclusion holds. The name appears to be a hybrid construction, loosely modeled on the French verb acheter/dits related forms and common discourse markers, but its precise linguistic roots are informal and debated.

Usage and characteristics. A répondrastu prompt typically instructs the responder to begin with a concise answer, then lay out the underlying assumptions, followed by a discussion of alternative interpretations or edge cases. The approach aims to increase transparency, reduce misinterpretation, and provide a structured path from premise to conclusion. It is used mainly in experimental prompting, educational tools, and debates about AI reasoning.

Reception. Répondrastu is a niche term within prompt-engineering circles. Proponents argue it improves clarity and accountability; critics point to potential verbosity and the risk of over-specified prompts constraining creativity. It remains a niche concept rather than a widely adopted standard.