English dictionary



Info: This web site is based on WordNet 3.0 from Princeton University.

English noun: answer

1. answer (communication) a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation


SamplesI waited several days for his answer.
He wrote replies to several of his critics.


Synonymsreply, response


Broader (hypernym)statement


Narrower (hyponym)feedback, rescript

2. answer (communication) a statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem


SamplesThey were trying to find a peaceful solution.
The answers were in the back of the book.
He computed the result to four decimal places.


Synonymsresolution, result, solution, solvent


Broader (hypernym)statement


Narrower (hyponym)denouement

3. answer (communication) the speech act of replying to a question


Broader (hypernym)reply, response


Narrower (hyponym)defence, defense, refutation, Urim and Thummim


Antonymsenquiry, query, question, inquiry, interrogation

4. answer (communication) the principal pleading by the defendant in response to plaintiff's complaint; in criminal law it consists of the defendant's plea of `guilty' or `not guilty' (or nolo contendere); in civil law it must contain denials of all allegations in the plaintiff's complaint that the defendant hopes to controvert and it can contain affirmative defenses or counterclaims


Broader (hypernym)pleading


Narrower (hyponym)evasive answer, nolo contendere, non vult, plea


Domain categoryjurisprudence, law

5. answer (act) a nonverbal reaction


SamplesHis answer to any problem was to get drunk.
Their answer was to sue me.


Broader (hypernym)reaction, response


English verb: answer

1. answer (communication) react verbally


SamplesShe didn't want to answer.
Answer the question.
We answered that we would accept the invitation.


ExamplesThey answer that there was a traffic accident


Synonymsreply, respond


Pattern of useSomebody ----s.
Somebody ----s somebody.
Somebody ----s that CLAUSE.
Somebody ----s to somebody


Broader (hypernym)say, state, tell


Narrower (hyponym)bridle, call back, come back, counter, field, rejoin, repay, retort, return, riposte, sass

2. answer (cognition) respond to a signal


SamplesAnswer the door.
Answer the telephone.


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)react, respond

3. answer (cognition) give the correct answer or solution to


SamplesAnswer a question.
Answer the riddle.


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)figure out, lick, puzzle out, solve, work, work out

4. answer (cognition) understand the meaning of


SamplesThe question concerning the meaning of life cannot be answered.


Synonymsresolve


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)figure out, lick, puzzle out, solve, work, work out

5. answer (communication) give a defence or refutation of (a charge) or in (an argument)


SamplesThe defendant answered to all the charges of the prosecution.


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)rebut, refute

6. answer (stative) be liable or accountable


SamplesShe must answer for her actions.


Pattern of useSomebody ----s PP


Broader (hypernym)be

7. answer (stative) be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity


SamplesA few words would answer.
This car suits my purpose well.
Will $100 do?.
A 'B' grade doesn't suffice to get me into medical school.
Nothing else will serve.


Synonymsdo, serve, suffice


Pattern of useSomething ----s


Broader (hypernym)fulfil, fulfill, live up to, satisfy


Narrower (hyponym)bridge over, function, go a long way, go around, keep going, measure up, qualify, serve, tide over

8. answer (stative) match or correspond


SamplesThe drawing of the suspect answers to the description the victim gave.


Pattern of useSomething is ----ing PP.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)agree, check, correspond, fit, gibe, jibe, match, tally

9. answer (consumption) be satisfactory for; meet the requirements of or serve the purpose of


SamplesThis may answer her needs.


Pattern of useSomething ----s something


Broader (hypernym)fill, fulfil, fulfill, meet, satisfy

10. answer (cognition) react to a stimulus or command


SamplesThe steering of my new car answers to the slightest touch.


Pattern of useSomething ----s.
Something is ----ing PP


Broader (hypernym)react, respond









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