answer
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1an·swer
noun \ˈan(t)-sər\Definition of ANSWER
1
a : something spoken or written in reply to a question b : a correct response <knows the answer>
3
: 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 newsmagazines>
See Examples of ANSWER
- I asked him a simple question and he gave me a long and confusing answer.
- I didn't believe her answer.
- They wouldn't give me a straight answer to my question.
- I didn't know the right answer.
- That is the wrong answer.
- Do you know the answer to this question?
- He knew the answers to only 3 of the 10 questions.
- The answers are listed in the back of the book.
Origin of ANSWER
Middle English, from Old English andswaru (akin to Old Norse andsvar answer); akin to Old English and- against, swerian to swear — more at ante-
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to ANSWER
Synonym Discussion of ANSWER
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>.
2answer
verban·sweredan·swer·ing\ˈan(t)s-riŋ, ˈan(t)-sə-\
Definition of ANSWER
intransitive verb
1
: to speak or write in reply
2
a : to be or make oneself responsible or accountable <answer for a debt> b : to make amends : atone <must answer for his crimes>
3
: to be in conformity or correspondence <answered to the description>
4
: to act in response to an action performed elsewhere or by another <the home team scored first but the visitors answered quickly>
5
: to be adequate : serve <an old bucket answered for a sink>
transitive verb
1
a : to speak or write in reply to <answer a question> <answer me> b : to say or write by way of reply <answer yes or no>
2
: to reply to in rebuttal, justification, or explanation <answer an accusation>
3
a : to correspond to <answers the description> b : to be adequate or usable for : fulfill <answer a need>
4
obsolete : to atone for
5
: to act in response to <answered the call to arms>
Examples of ANSWER
- She answered all my questions.
- He answered only three of the test questions correctly.
- When the police asked him his name, he refused to answer.
- When I ask you a question I expect you to answer me!
- Answer me this: where have you put my money?
- I sent her a letter asking for her help, but she never answered.
- The phone rang repeatedly, but no one answered.
- Would somebody please answer the phone?
- I knocked on the door but no one answered.
- No one answered the door.
First Known Use of ANSWER
before 12th century
Related to ANSWER
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