answer Meaning

“Answer” is a fundamental English term used to describe:

• A spoken, written, or acted response to a question, statement, or situation.

• A solution or way to solve a problem or dilemma.

This versatile word appears in daily conversations, formal writing, and pop culture, making it essential in communication.

noun

A response, reply, or reaction to a question, request, letter, or situation
Example: He knocked and entered without waiting for an answer.

A solution to a problem or challenge
Example: The answer to climate change requires global cooperation.

verb

To speak or write in reply to someone or something
Example: She answered quickly when called.

To act in response to a stimulus, such as a doorbell or phone
Example: Digby answered the door immediately.

Synonyms

reply, response, rejoinder, retort, comeback, acknowledgment, solution, remedy, fix

Opposites

question, query, doubt

Word History

Originates from Old English “andswaru”, meaning a statement in response.

Historically used in legal contexts as a formal response to a claim.

Now widely used in daily communication, education, and technology.

Interesting Facts

Phrases like answer the call, answer back, and answer to a name show its flexibility.

Popular culture references: “I’ve got the answer!” appears in movies, motivational speeches, and songs.

Used in tech contexts: AI and virtual assistants are programmed to answer questions.

Phrases Containing

answer back, answer the door, answer to a name, in answer, answer a query

Rhymes

dancer, enhancer, lancer, romancer, advancer

Entries Near

reply, respond, solution, response, retort, comeback, reaction

Related Articles

• The Evolution of Answer in English

• Common Synonyms for Answer and How to Use Them

• Answer in Pop Culture and Media

Cite this Entry
Sources:
Merriam-Webster Answer
Cambridge Dictionary Answer
Dictionary.com Answer
Oxford English Dictionary Answer

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Explore how people use “answer” on social media or quizzes tagging #answer on Instagram and TikTok

Kids Definition
An answer is something you say, write, or do when someone asks a question or wants a solution

FAQ

What does answer mean
It refers to a spoken, written, or acted response, or a solution to a problem

Is answer used as a verb
Yes, it can mean to respond verbally, in writing, or by action

What are common synonyms of answer
Reply, response, rejoinder, retort, solution, remedy

Can answer mean a solution
Yes, it can describe a way to solve a problem or dilemma

Where does the word answer come from
From Old English “andswaru,” historically meaning a formal response

Other words like answer
reply, respond, solution, reaction, comeback, acknowledgment

Social Links
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/answer
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/tag/answer

Tags / Keywords
answer response reply rejoinder retort solution fix reaction comeback English word linguistics