Answering
/ˈænsərɪŋ/
verbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral
Idiom
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
To give a reply to a question, statement, or accusation.
/ˈænsərɪŋ/
verbneutralBeginner
General
Giving a reply or response.
He's answering emails.
💡 Simply: Saying something back
More Examples
2
She's answering the questions correctly.
3
They are answering the call to action.
How It's Used
Everyday conversation
"She was answering the phone when I called."
Formal settings
"The defendant was answering questions from the judge."
Idioms & expressions
answer back
To reply rudely or defiantly.
"Don't answer back to your elders!"
From Old French *answerer, from an- (from Latin ad-) + sweoren (to swear, to promise, to affirm). Initially implying a sworn response, it evolved to encompass any reply.
The word's usage has shifted from primarily legal and formal contexts to widespread everyday use.
Memory tip
Think of 'answer' and add '-ing' for the ongoing action.
Practice
Base: answer
anseringanswerin
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written