answer
/ˈɑːn.sə/ IELTSAcademic
noun
Something you say or write in reply to a question, request, or problem. It can also be the correct result to a problem or test question.
- She gave a short answer.
- The answer is on page five.
- I don't know the answer yet.
verb
To say or write something in reply. It can also mean to solve a problem or deal with a need.
- Please answer the phone.
- He answered my question quickly.
- This method answers the problem well.
Adinary Nuance
An answer is a direct reply, so it is the best word for questions and messages. A response can be more formal and broader, and may include actions, not just words. An reply is very close to answer, but it often sounds a little more formal in writing. Use answer in everyday speech, exams, phone calls, and simple question-and-answer situations.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- câu trả lời
- Spanish
- respuesta
- Chinese
- 答案
- Japanese
- 答え
- Korean
- 대답
Etymology
From Old English andswaru, related to andswarian, meaning “to reply.” It came into English before the 12th century.
Common phrases
answer a questionanswer the phonehave the answercorrect answer
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between answer and reply?
- They are very close. **Answer** is more common in everyday English, especially for questions and exams.
- Can answer be a verb?
- Yes. You can say, “Please answer me” or “She answered quickly.”
- Is answer formal or informal?
- It is neutral. You can use it in daily speech, school, and business writing.