answer

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   A response or reply

   A response or reply; something said or done in reaction to a statement or question.

   • Her answer to his proposal was a slap in the face.
   • When a student types a complex question into a chatbot, they get a polished (though not necessarily authentic, accurate or nuanced) answer in seconds.
2. 2

   A solution to a problem.

   • There is no simple answer to corruption.
   • Violence is not the answer to disagreements.
3. 3

   Someone or something that fills a similar role or position.

   • Anti-pornography crusader Mary Whitehouse, who successfully brought London's Gay News to trial recently on charges of "blasphemy," is emerging as England's answer to Anita Bryant.
4. ›+ 15 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      A document filed in response to a complaint, responding to each point raised in the…

      A document filed in response to a complaint, responding to each point raised in the complaint and raising counterpoints.

   2. 5

      To make a reply or response to.

      • She answers him as if she knew his mind:
      • […] there was no voice, nor any that answered.
      • “Well,” I answered, at first with uncertainty, then with inspiration, “he would do splendidly to lead your cotillon, if you think of having one.” ¶ “So you do not dance, Mr. Crocker?” ¶ I was somewhat set back by her perspicuity.
   3. 6

      To speak in defence against

      To speak in defence against; to reply to in defence.

      • to answer a charge or accusation
   4. 7

      To respond to a call by someone at a door or telephone, or other similar piece of…

      To respond to a call by someone at a door or telephone, or other similar piece of equipment.

      • She answered the door.
      • Nobody answered when I knocked on the door.
   5. 8

      To suit a need or purpose satisfactorily.

      • It answers the need.
   6. 9

      To be accountable or responsible

      To be accountable or responsible; to make amends.

      • The man must answer to his employer for the money entrusted to his care.
      • He has a lot to answer for.
      • And pleaſe your Maiestie, let his Neck anſwere for it, if there is any Marſhall Law in the World.
   7. 10

      To file a document in response to a complaint.

   8. 11

      To correspond to

      To correspond to; to be in harmony with; to be in agreement with.

      • 1775, Richard Brinsley Sheridan, The Duenna, Dublin: G. Burnet et al., 1794, Act II, Scene 2, p. 25, Egad, I wish she had answer’d her picture as well.
      • The use of dunder in the making of rum, answers the purpose of yeast in the fermentation of flour.
      • Before I knew about sex, I knew that the word queer was an insult associated with skiny boys who couldn't throw a football, and since I answered this description, I took my share of abuse.
   9. 12

      To be opposite, or to act in opposition.

      • The windows answering each other, we could just discern the glowing horizon through them […]
   10. 13

       To be or act in conformity, or by way of accommodation, correspondence, relation, or…

       To be or act in conformity, or by way of accommodation, correspondence, relation, or proportion; to conform; to correspond; to suit; usually with to.

       • […] that the time may haue all ſhadow, and ſilence in it: and the place anſwere to conuenience
       • If this but answer to my just belief, / I’ll well remember you.
       • As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.
   11. 14

       To respond to satisfactorily

       To respond to satisfactorily; to meet successfully by way of explanation, argument, or justification; to refute.

       • […] no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.
       • These shifts refuted, answer thy appellant / Though by his blindness maim’d for high attempts, / Who now defies thee thrice to single fight,
       • The reasoning was not and could not be answered.
   12. 15

       To be or act in compliance with, in fulfillment or satisfaction of, as an order,…

       To be or act in compliance with, in fulfillment or satisfaction of, as an order, obligation, or demand.

       • He answered my claim upon him.
       • The servant answered the bell.
       • […] this proud king […] studies day and night / To answer all the debts he owes unto you
   13. 16

       To render account to or for.

       • […] I will, by to-morrow dinner-time, / Send him to answer thee, or any man, / For any thing he shall be charged withal:
   14. 17

       To atone for

       To atone for; to be punished for.

       • […] The noble Brutus / Hath told you Caesar was ambitious: / If it were so, it was a grievous fault, / And grievously hath Caesar answer’d it.
   15. 18

       To be or act as an equivalent to, or as adequate or sufficient for

       To be or act as an equivalent to, or as adequate or sufficient for; to serve for; to repay.

       • A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.

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