reply

[ ri-plahy ]

verb (used without object)

, re·plied, re·ply·ing.

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)

, re·plied, re·ply·ing.

1. 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.

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

Derived Forms

• reˈplier, noun

Other Words From

• re·plier noun
• unre·plied adjective
• unre·plying 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

"I know where he is trying to go with this," replied Rayner before going on to defend Reeves.

From BBC

In the aftermath of the 4-1 defeat at Sporting earlier this month, when asked about the challenge in front of him, Guardiola replied: "I like it, I love it. I want to face it."

From BBC

A representative for Leno did not reply immediately Tuesday to The Times’ request for comment.

From Los Angeles Times

Representatives for Johnson as well as the Williamson County sheriff’s and district attorney’s offices did not reply immediately Tuesday to The Times’ request for comment.

From Los Angeles Times

He replied: "There is irresponsible rhetoric coming from Russia and that's not going to deter our support for Ukraine."

From BBC

Related Words

• acknowledgment
• feedback
• reaction
• rejoinder
• response
• retort