Definition of answer
1a : something spoken or written in reply to a question His answer surprised us.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 The show is television's answer to the newsmagazines.
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Examples of answer in a Sentence
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 and Etymology 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-
Synonym Discussion of answer
answer
Definition of answer
answered
;answering
play \ˈan(t)s-riŋ, ˈan(t)-sə-\intransitive verb
1 : to speak or write in reply neglected to answer the letter
2a : to be or make oneself responsible or accountable answer for a debtb : to make amends : atone He must answer for his crimes.
3 : to be in conformity or correspondence She 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 The school had to answer for a town hall.
transitive verb
1a : to speak or write in reply to answer a question answer meb : to say or write by way of reply answer yes or no
2 : to reply to in rebuttal, justification, or explanation answer an accusation
3a : to correspond to answers the descriptionb : to be adequate or usable for : fulfill answer a need
Examples of answer in a Sentence
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.
Origin and Etymology of answer
see 1answer
ANSWER Defined for English Language Learners
answer
playDefinition of answer for English Language Learners
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: something you say or write when someone asks you a question
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: a response to a question that is meant to show whether or not you know something (such as a question asked as part of an exam)
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: the correct response to a question
answer
Definition of answer for English Language Learners
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: to say or write something when someone asks you a question : to give an answer to (a question)
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: to say or write (something) as a reply
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: to reply to (someone) : to say or write something as a response to (someone)
ANSWER Defined for Kids
Definition of answer for Students
1 : something said or written in reply (as to a question)
2 : a solution of a problem Money is not the answer to improving this situation.
Definition of answer for Students
answered
;answering
1 : to speak or write in order to satisfy a question
2 : to write a response to a letter or e-mail
3 : to pick up (a ringing telephone)
4 : to open (a door) when someone knocks on it
5 : to react to something with an action answer a want ad
6 : to take responsibility The camp director answered for the children's safety.
answer back
: to reply rudely
Law Dictionary
answer
Legal Definition of answer
1 : the defendant's written response to the plaintiff's complaint in a civil suit in which he or she may deny any of the plaintiff's allegations, offer any defenses, and make any counterclaims against the plaintiff, cross-claims against other defendants, or third-party claims against third parties otherwise not involved in the lawsuit
2 : a written response to a counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim : reply — see also responsive pleading at pleading 1
Additional Notes on answer
In federal cases, answers are governed by Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Under Rule 12, certain defenses (as lack of jurisdiction) may be made by motion rather than included in the answer.
answer
Legal Definition of answer
1 : to serve or file an answer
2 : to make oneself responsible or accountable (as for the debt of another)
transitive verb
1 : to reply to in an answer answer the complaint
2 : to make a defense against (as a charge or accusation)
answerable
adjectiveLearn More about answer
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for answer Spanish Central: Translation of answer Nglish: Translation of answer for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of answer for Arabic speakers
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