reply
Americanverb (used without object)
-
to make answer in words or writing; answer; respond.
to reply to a question.
- Synonyms:
- rejoin
-
to respond by some action, performance, etc..
to reply to the enemy's fire.
-
to return a sound; echo; resound.
-
Law. to answer a defendant's plea.
verb (used with object)
verb
-
to make answer (to) in words or writing or by an action; respond
he replied with an unexpected move
-
(tr; takes a clause as object) to say (something) in answer
he replied that he didn't want to come
-
law to answer a defendant's plea
-
to return (a sound); echo
noun
-
an answer made in words or writing or through an action; response
-
the answer made by a plaintiff or petitioner to a defendant's case
Related Words
See answer.
Other Word Forms
- replier noun
- unreplied adjective
- unreplying adjective
Etymology
Origin of reply
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English replien (verb), from Middle French replier “to fold back, reply,” from Latin replicāre “to unroll, fold back”; replicate
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Asked if he had any medical conditions, the 82-time PGA Tour champion replied that he has had seven back surgeries and at least 20 leg operations.
From Los Angeles Times
When Lindbergh asked how much money and time he would need to complete his work, Goddard replied that about $25,000 a year for four years would cover all expenses.
I asked TCL for the status of its AI film production project, but received no reply.
From Los Angeles Times
“You look pretty young yet,” Sarah replied, her voice flat as she turned his way.
From Literature
Little Two whispered something in his ear, and Nine replied, “In the cracked tub by the tires. Get Four Thousand and Six to help you. Remind him he owes me for he-knows-what.”
From Literature
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
