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

Ms Langdale asked Sir Duncan if he believed that the statement Mr Harvey made to the committee was accurate - to which he replied: "No."

From BBC

In an interview with ABC in June, when asked whether he had “ruled out a pardon” for his son, Biden replied: “Yes.”

From BBC

Elon replied to a clip of Sanders' speech on X, reiterating his agreement with the senator.

From Salon

After getting no reply, they sent another note viewed by The Times in November, accusing managers of refusing “time and again” to make improvements.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Chambers replied: “Thank you for pulling me up on the language there. I accept that as the accountable officer for the trust I must take some responsibility - must take responsibility - for that.”

From BBC

Related Words

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