First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1answer
noun an·swer \ˈan(t)-sər\
: something you say or write when someone asks you a question
: 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)
: the correct response to a question
Full 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 answer defined for English-language learners
See answer defined for kids
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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-
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
verb
: to say or write something when someone asks you a question : to give an answer to (a question)
: to say or write (something) as a reply
: to reply to (someone) : to say or write something as a response to (someone)
an·sweredan·swer·ing\ˈan(t)s-riŋ, ˈan(t)-sə-\
Full 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>
See answer defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ANSWER
before 12th century
Related to ANSWER
ANSWER Defined for Kids
1answer
noun an·swer \ˈan-sər\
Definition of ANSWER for Kids
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.>
2answer
verb
an·sweredan·swer·ing
Definition of ANSWER for Kids
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
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