reply
/rɪˈplaɪ/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To answer someone by speaking or writing after they have asked, said, or sent something. It is common in conversation, email, and messages.
- Please reply by Friday.
- She replied to my email this morning.
- He replied with a short message.
noun
An answer to a question, message, or request. It is often used in formal or written communication.
- I got a quick reply from HR.
- Her reply was very polite.
- There was no reply to my text.
Adinary Nuance
Reply is a general word for answering a message, question, or request. It is a little more neutral and often more formal than answer in writing. In email and business English, reply is common because it fits messages and official communication well. Use response when you want something more formal or a bigger reaction.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- trả lời
- Spanish
- responder
- Chinese
- 回复
- Japanese
- 返信する
- Korean
- 답장하다
Etymology
Reply comes from Old French replier, meaning “to fold back” or “to turn back,” and entered English in the Middle Ages. The idea is of turning back with an answer.
Common phrases
reply to an emailreply to a messagein reply tono reply
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between reply and respond?
- Reply is the direct answer itself. Respond is a broader word and can mean answering or reacting.
- Is reply formal or informal?
- Reply is neutral, but it often sounds slightly formal in writing and business communication.
- Can I say reply to someone?
- Yes. You can say reply to a person, email, message, or question.
- Is reply a noun or a verb?
- It can be both. As a verb, it means to answer. As a noun, it means an answer.