answer
English meaning: Answer
Definition
A response or reply; something said or done in reaction to a statement or question.
Example
“Her answer to his proposal was a slap in the face.”
Another example: “Hard work is the only real answer to the company's problems.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A high-frequency neutral noun and verb for a reply to a question or a solution to a problem ('the answer to'). The verb 'answer the phone/door' is very common. Used in everyday, academic, and exam contexts.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old English 'andswaru' ('a reply'), from 'and-' ('against') + a root related to 'swear', literally 'a sworn statement in rebuttal'.
Synonyms
Antonyms / Opposites
- question
- query
Related Words
Common Collocations
- answer a question
- answer the phone
- right answer
- in answer to
- simple answer
Word Forms
answer (n); answers (pl); answer (v); answered; answering
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B