reply
[ ri-plahy ]
/ rɪˈplaɪ /
verb (used without object), re·plied, re·ply·ing.
verb (used with object), re·plied, re·ply·ing.
to return as an answer (usually used in a negative combination or followed by a clause with that): Not a syllable did he reply. He replied that no one would go.
noun, plural re·plies.
an answer or response in words or writing.
a response made by some action, performance, etc.
RELATED CONTENT
RELATED WORDS
reaction, feedback, rejoinder, retort, response, acknowledgment, respond, acknowledge, counter, react, return, sass, retaliation, echo, reciprocation, lip, comeback, wisecrack, riposte, antiphon
Nearby words
- replication,
- replicative,
- replicator,
- replicon,
- replisome,
- reply card,
- repo,
- repoint,
- repolarization,
- repone
Origin of reply
1350–1400; Middle English replien (v.) < Middle French replier to fold back, reply < Latin replicāre to unroll, fold back; see replicate
Synonym study
6. See answer.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for reply
reply
/ (rɪˈplaɪ) /
verb -plies, -plying or -plied (mainly intr)
to make answer (to) in words or writing or by an action; respondhe replied with an unexpected move
(tr; takes a clause as object) to say (something) in answerhe replied that he didn't want to come
law to answer a defendant's plea
to return (a sound); echo
noun plural -plies
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
Word Origin for reply
C14: from Old French replier to fold again, reply, from Latin replicāre to fold back, from re- + plicāre to fold
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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