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

"He never really elaborated, he just said does anyone have a stupid picture of their dog, and I was the first to reply," she said.

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Another replied concerned for the generated animals' welfare, adding "there are plenty of dogs sitting in animal shelters who would like to have a nice home".

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Lord Mandelson replies less than 90 minutes later, saying: "Just. I have decided to extend my life by spending more of it in the US."

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The Japan Football Association did not immediately reply to AFP's request for comment.

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Quarterback Dak Prescott then held his nerve as Dallas scored 11 points on their next two possessions to keep them clear, despite a late Chiefs reply.

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Related Words

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