answer

Definitions

1. noun

   Something you say or do in reply to a question or statement.

   Examples

   • Her answer to his proposal was no.
   • I got an answer to my question in seconds.
2. noun

   A way to solve a problem.

   Examples

   • There is no simple answer to corruption.
   • Violence is not the answer to disagreements.
3. noun

   A person or thing in one place that is like a famous one elsewhere.

   Examples

   • The town's new stadium is often called the local answer to Wembley.
   • She is seen as the country's answer to a famous chef.
4. noun

   A legal paper that replies to a complaint in court.

   Examples

   • The defendant's lawyer filed an answer within thirty days.
   • The answer denied every claim in the complaint.
5. verb

   To say or write something in reply.

   Examples

   • She answered him right away.
   • I asked him a question, but he did not answer.
6. verb

   To reply to a charge or an accusation.

   Examples

   • He had to answer the charge in court.
   • He answered the accusation calmly and firmly.
7. verb

   To pick up the phone or open the door when someone calls.

   Examples

   • She answered the door.
   • Nobody answered when I knocked on the door.
8. verb

   To be good enough for a need or purpose.

   Examples

   • This tool will answer the need.
   • A simple wooden spoon will answer just as well.
9. verb

   To be held responsible for something.

   Examples

   • He must answer to his boss for the missing money.
   • He has a lot to answer for.
   ≈answer for
10. verb

    To send a legal reply to a complaint in court.

    Examples

    • The company's lawyers answered before the deadline.
    • He had thirty days to answer the lawsuit.