Answer
/ˈænsər/
Definitions
2 meaningsA statement or action made in response to a question, request, or demand.
/ˈænsər/
A response to a question.
She gave a quick answer.
💡 Simply: A reply.
More Examples
His answer was correct.
How It's Used
"What is the answer to the question?"
"The teacher checked the students' answers."
To respond to a question, statement, or accusation.
/ˈænsər/
To respond to a question or request.
Please answer the door.
💡 Simply: To reply.
More Examples
I answered honestly.
How It's Used
"He answered the phone."
"She carefully answered each question."
Idioms & expressions
answer back
To reply rudely or defiantly.
"Don't answer back to your elders!"
From Old French *answere, from Old English *andswarian, composed of and- "against" + swaran "to swear, speak". Originally meant to swear or speak in response to a question or accusation.
In older texts, 'answer' could also refer to a defense or rebuttal, reflecting its etymological roots in oaths and sworn testimony.
Memory tip
Think 'answer' as 'an-swer' - a response to a question.
Word Origin
"to swear or speak in response"