Meaning & Definition of Reply in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: To say something in response to something said.

  Example Sentence: She replied with a smile.

• Definition: A written or spoken response.

  Example Sentence: His reply was unexpected.

• Definition: A legal answer to a statement made by an opponent.

  Example Sentence: The defendant filed a reply to the plaintiff's complaint.

• Definition: An action taken in response to a stimulus.

  Example Sentence: The plant's reply to the sunlight was rapid growth.

• Definition: A return or response in a conversation.

  Example Sentence: Her quick reply showed she was paying attention.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English 'replien', from Old French 'replier', from Latin 'replicare'

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• reply all: A term used in email to respond to all recipients.
• in reply to: Used to indicate the response is directed towards a particular person or message.
• reply to a comment: To respond specifically to someone's comment or observation.

Translations

• Spanish: respuesta

• French: répondre

• German: antworten

• Russian: ответ

Related Words

• response: A reply or answer to a question, letter, or situation.

• rejoinder: A sharp or witty reply.

• retort: A quick and witty reply.

Slang Meanings of reply

• Meaning: to hit back with words

  Example Sentence: He just had to reply, didn't he?

• Meaning: to come back with an answer

  Example Sentence: She always replies with sass.