answer

an-swer · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A response to a question, letter, or situation.

  2. 2.

    A solution to a problem.

  3. 3.

    A reaction or response to something.

  4. 4.

    Respond to a question or statement.

  5. 5.

    Respond to a phone call, door, etc.

  6. 6.

    Meet or satisfy a need or requirement.

  7. 7.

    Be responsible or accountable.

Forms

plural: answers

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    answer back — Reply rudely or defiantly.
  • •
    answer for — Be responsible for; pay the consequences of.
  • •
    answer to — Be accountable to; respond to a name.
  • •
    have all the answers — Claim to know everything.
  • •
    know the answer — Have the solution.
  • •
    the short answer — A brief response.

Related words

Antonyms: query, question
See also: question, reply, response, solution
Synonyms: reply, response, retort, solution

Etymology

From Old English andswaru ("answer"), from and- ("against") + swaru ("affirmation, oath"), related to swerian ("to swear").