RSVP Meaning and Punctuation
RSVP is an invitation-response instruction derived from the French “répondez s’il vous plaît.” The guide separates its documented meaning from formatting preferences and avoids treating it as a generic confirmation term.
RSVP means “please reply” in the context of an invitation. “RSVP” is a standard unpunctuated form; follow the event or house style if another established form is required.
Key details
Important caveats
Usage Boundary
Use RSVP when a response to an invitation is requested; do not expand its meaning into a general confirmation label for unrelated messages.
Further guidance
Form
Cambridge’s headword is “RSVP,” supporting the common unpunctuated uppercase form.
Meaning
RSVP asks the recipient to reply to an invitation.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- RSVP — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · RSVP meaning from French “répondez s’il vous plaît” and invitation-reply function