answer meaning and definition

ANSWER noun

Definition of answer (noun)

1. a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
   • "I waited several days for his answer"; "he wrote replies to several of his critics"
   • synonyms: reply, response
2. a statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem
   • "they were trying to find a peaceful solution"; "the answers were in the back of the book"; "he computed the result to four decimal places"
   • synonyms: resolution, result, solution, solvent
3. the speech act of replying to a question
   • antonym: enquiry
4. 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
5. a nonverbal reaction
   • "his answer to any problem was to get drunk"; "their answer was to sue me"

ANSWER verb

Definition of answer (verb)

1. react verbally
   • "She didn't want to answer"; "answer the question"; "We answered that we would accept the invitation"
   • synonyms: reply, respond
2. respond to a signal
   • "answer the door"; "answer the telephone"
3. give the correct answer or solution to
   • "answer a question"; "answer the riddle"
4. understand the meaning of
   • "The question concerning the meaning of life cannot be answered"
   • synonyms: resolve
5. give a defence or refutation of (a charge) or in (an argument)
   • "The defendant answered to all the charges of the prosecution"
6. be liable or accountable
   • "She must answer for her actions"
7. be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity
   • "A 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"
   • synonyms: do, serve, suffice
8. match or correspond
   • "The drawing of the suspect answers to the description the victim gave"
9. be satisfactory for; meet the requirements of or serve the purpose of
   • "This may answer her needs"
10. react to a stimulus or command
    • "The steering of my new car answers to the slightest touch"