Reply
/rɪˈplaɪ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo respond to something said or written.
/rɪˈplaɪ/
To say or write something as an answer or response.
She replied with a short message.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone asks you a question, and you give an answer. That's replying! Like when you're playing a game and someone asks you a question – you need to 'reply' to stay in the game!
👶 For kids: To say something back to someone who said something to you.
More Examples
I will reply to the invitation as soon as possible.
He didn't reply to my question.
How It's Used
"I replied to her email this morning."
"The company replied to the complaint promptly."
"He replied with a smile."
An answer or response to something.
/rɪˈplaɪ/
A response; an answer.
I'm eagerly awaiting your reply.
💡 Simply: When someone asks you something, your 'reply' is what you say back. Like, if someone asks, 'What's your name?' Your reply is, 'My name is...'
👶 For kids: The thing you say or write back to someone.
More Examples
Her reply was prompt and helpful.
The manager gave a lengthy reply to the customer's complaint.
How It's Used
"I am still waiting for a reply to my letter."
"Her quick reply showed she was listening."
"The company issued a detailed reply to the accusations."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
in reply to
Used to introduce something that is said or written as an answer or response to something else.
"In reply to your question, I'd like to say..."
a reply from
An answer received from someone.
"We finally received a reply from the company after a month."
From Middle English *replien*, from Old French *replier* ('to fold back, answer'), from Latin *replicare* ('to bend back, repeat, answer'), from *re-* ('back, again') + *plicare* ('to fold').
The word 'reply' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to the act of folding back or returning a gesture, and later evolving to mean a verbal or written response.
Memory tip
Think of re-plying – to re-apply your thoughts or words to address someone else's.