I. ˈan(t)-sər 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 : 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 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
II. verb
( an·swered ; an·swer·ing ˈan(t)s-riŋ, ˈan(t)-sə-)
Date: before 12th century
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
answer ed to the description
4. : to act in response to an action performed elsewhere or by another
the home team scored first but the visitors answer ed quickly
5. : to be adequate : serve
an old bucket answer ed 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
answer s the description
b. : to be adequate or usable for : fulfill
answer a need
4. obsolete : to atone for
5. : to act in response to
answer ed the call to arms
6. : to offer a solution for ; especially : solve
answer a riddle
• an·swer·er ˈan(t)-sər-ər noun