I. rə̇ˈplī, rēˈp- verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: Middle English replien (influenced in meaning by Late Latin replicare to reply, from Latin, to fold back), from Middle French replier to fold again, from Latin replicare to fold back, from re- + plicare to fold — more at ply
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to respond in words or writing : answer
replied to the speech with a few words of thanks
received your letter a week ago but have waited to reply
b. : echo , resound
c. : to answer a defendant's original plea or response
2. : to do something in response
the ship replied to the flagship's signal
specifically : to return an attack or gunfire
poured broadside after broadside into the forts, which replied continuously — American Guide Series: Louisiana
replying with rifles and bayonets — Newsweek
transitive verb
: to give as an answer
replied not a word
did not know what to reply
Synonyms: see answer
II. noun
( -es )
1. : something that is said, written, or done in answer or response
made a long-winded reply to the teacher's question
a letter in reply to a request for a loan
only three or four of the train guard had been able to fire a reply — F.V.W.Mason
2. : replication 1b(2)