answer

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>

2

: a reply to a legal charge or suit : plea; also : defense

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>

Examples of ANSWER

1. I asked him a simple question and he gave me a long and confusing answer.
2. I didn't believe her answer.
3. They wouldn't give me a straight answer to my question.
4. I didn't know the right answer.
5. That is the wrong answer.
6. Do you know the answer to this question?
7. He knew the answers to only 3 of the 10 questions.
8. 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

Synonyms: comeback, rejoinder, replication, reply, response, retort, return

Antonyms: inquiry, query, question

Related Words: back talk, banter, persiflage, repartee; acknowledgment (or acknowledgement), comment, communication, correspondence, feedback, non sequitur, observation, reaction, remark; defense, explanation, justification, plea, rebuttal, refutation

Near Antonyms: challenge, charge, cross-examination, grilling, interrogation, interrogatory, quiz; poll, questionnaire, survey

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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>.