answer

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Wikipedia

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1 1.1.1 Pronunciation 1.1.2 Noun 1.1.2.1 Derived terms 1.1.2.2 Translations 1.1.3 See also 1.2 Etymology 2 1.2.1 Verb 1.2.1.1 Derived terms 1.2.1.2 Translations 1.2.2 See also

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology 1

Middle English answere from Old English andswaru from and- "back, against" + swaro, swaru "saying, word". Cf Old English andwyrde "answer", Old English andcwiss "reply".

[edit] Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /ˈɑːn.sə(ɹ)/, SAMPA: /"A:n.s@(r\)/
• (US) IPA: /ˈæn.sɚ/, SAMPA: /"{n.s@`/
•  Audio (RP)^{help, file}
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}
• Rhymes: -ɑːnsə(r)

[edit] Noun

answer (plural answers)

1. A response; something said or done in reaction to a statement or question.

   Her answer to his proposal was a slap in the face.

2. A solution to a problem.

   There is no simple answer to curbing corruption.

3. Reply to an email. (reply)
4. (law) A document filed in response to a complaint, responding to each point raised in the complaint and raising counterpoints.

[edit] Derived terms

• answerless
• answer on a postcard
• answerphone
• answer print

[edit] Translations

[edit] See also

• ask

[edit] Etymology 2

Old English andswarian

[edit] Verb

to answer (third-person singular simple present answers, present participle answering, simple past and past participle answered)

1. To make a reply or response to.

   He answered the question.

2. To respond to a call by someone at a door or telephone, or other similar piece of equipment.

   She answered the door.

3. To suit a need or purpose satisfactorily.

   It answers the need.

   • 1903: Samuel Butler, The Way of All Flesh, Ch. 41

     Theobald spoke as if watches had half-a-dozen purposes besides time-keeping, but he could hardly open his mouth without using one or other of his tags, and "answering every purpose" was one of them.

4. (law) To file a document in response to a complaint.

[edit] Derived terms

• answerable
• answer at
• answer back
• answerer
• answer for
• answer the call of nature
• answer the helm

[edit] Translations

[edit] See also

• question