reply

[ri-plahy]

verb (used without object)

replied, replying 

1. to make answer in words or writing; answer; respond.

   to reply to a question.

   Synonyms: rejoin

2. to respond by some action, performance, etc..

   to reply to the enemy's fire.

3. to return a sound; echo; resound.

4. Law.,  to answer a defendant's plea.

verb (used with object)

replied, replying 

1. to return as an answer (usually used in a negative combination or followed by a clause withthat ).

   Not a syllable did he reply. He replied that no one would go.

noun

plural

replies 

1. an answer or response in words or writing.

   Synonyms: riposte, rejoinder

2. a response made by some action, performance, etc.

reply

/ rɪˈplaɪ /

verb

1. to make answer (to) in words or writing or by an action; respond

   he replied with an unexpected move

2. (tr; takes a clause as object) to say (something) in answer

   he replied that he didn't want to come

3. law to answer a defendant's plea

4. to return (a sound); echo

noun

1. an answer made in words or writing or through an action; response

2. the answer made by a plaintiff or petitioner to a defendant's case

Other Word Forms

• replier noun
• unreplied adjective
• unreplying adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reply¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of reply¹

C14: from Old French replier to fold again, reply, from Latin replicāre to fold back, from _re- + plicāre to fold

Synonym Study

See answer.

Example Sentences

"Look, sure, this is a scary time in the world," Dan replied.

Read more on BBC

I asked Kennedy’s agency to clarify his claim and to explain the discrepancies between his words and the papers themselves, but received no reply.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Asked if he has a message for all those kids shouting “six seven” in school instead of paying attention, he replies: “Six seven.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Robert Jones, an intelligence analyst with Leicestershire Police who collated the data, told the court there "didn't appear to be any replies" from Mrs McCann.

Read more on BBC

Mr Jin had replied: "Hallelujah! For a new wave of revival will follow then!"

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• acknowledge 
• answer 
• come back 
• counter 
• react 
• respond 
• retort