Meaning & Definition of Answer in English

1. A statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation

• "I waited several days for his answer"

• "He wrote replies to several of his critics"

2. A statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem

• "They were trying to find a peaceful solution"

• "The answers were in the back of the book"

• "He computed the result to four decimal places"

3. The speech act of replying to a question

4. The principal pleading by the defendant in response to plaintiff's complaint

• In criminal law it consists of the defendant's plea of `guilty' or `not guilty' (or nolo contendere)

• In civil law it must contain denials of all allegations in the plaintiff's complaint that the defendant hopes to controvert and it can contain affirmative defenses or counterclaims

5. A nonverbal reaction

• "His answer to any problem was to get drunk"

• "Their answer was to sue me"

1. React verbally

• "She didn't want to answer"

• "Answer the question"

• "We answered that we would accept the invitation"

2. Respond to a signal

• "Answer the door"

• "Answer the telephone"

3. Give the correct answer or solution to

• "Answer a question"

• "Answer the riddle"

4. Understand the meaning of

• "The question concerning the meaning of life cannot be answered"

5. Give a defence or refutation of (a charge) or in (an argument)

• "The defendant answered to all the charges of the prosecution"

6. Be liable or accountable

• "She must answer for her actions"

7. Be sufficient

• Be adequate, either in quality or quantity

• "A few words would answer"

• "This car suits my purpose well"

• "Will $100 do?"

• "A 'b' grade doesn't suffice to get me into medical school"

• "Nothing else will serve"

8. Match or correspond

• "The drawing of the suspect answers to the description the victim gave"

9. Be satisfactory for

• Meet the requirements of or serve the purpose of

• "This may answer her needs"

10. React to a stimulus or command

• "The steering of my new car answers to the slightest touch"