- Main Entry:
- 1an·swer
- Pronunciation:
-
\ˈan(t)-sər\
- Function:
- noun
- Etymology:
- Middle English, from Old English andswaru (akin to Old Norse andsvar answer); akin to Old English and- against, swerian to swear — more at ante-
- Date:
- before 12th century
1 a: something spoken or written in reply to a question b: a correct response <knows the answer>2: a reply to a legal charge or suit : plea; also : defense3: something done in response or reaction <his only answer was to walk out>4: a solution of a problem <more money is not the answer>5: one that imitates, matches, or corresponds to another <television's answer to the news magazines>
synonyms answer,
response,
reply,
rejoinder,
retort mean something spoken, written, or done in return.
answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need
<had answers to all their questions>.
response may imply a quick or spontaneous reaction to a person or thing that serves as a stimulus
<a response to the call for recruits>.
reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised
<a point-by-point reply to the accusation>.
rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection
<a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument>.
retort implies a reaction to an implicit or explicit charge, criticism, or attack which contains a countercharge or counterattack
<she made a cutting retort to her critics>.
