reply Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
    answer; response.
    • I waited several days for his answer
    • he wrote replies to several of his critics
  2. noun the speech act of continuing a conversational exchange
    response.
    • he growled his reply
  3. verb react verbally
    answer; respond.
    • She didn't want to answer
    • answer the question
    • We answered that we would accept the invitation

WordNet


Re*ply" intransitive verb
Etymology
OE. replien, OF. replier, F. répliquer, fr. L. replicare to fold back, make a reply; pref. re- re- + plicare to fold. See Ply, and cf. Replica.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Replied present participle & verbal noun Replying
Definitions
  1. To make a return in words or writing; to respond; to answer.
    O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Rom. ix. 20.
  2. (Law) To answer a defendant's plea.
  3. Figuratively, to do something in return for something done; as, to reply to a signal; to reply to the fire of a battery. Syn. -- To answer; respond; rejoin.
Re*ply" transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To return for an answer. Milton.
    Lords, vouchsafe To give me hearing what I shall reply. Shak.
Re*ply" noun
Etymology
See Reply, v. i., and cf. Replica.
Wordforms
plural Replies
Definitions
  1. That which is said, written, or done in answer to what is said, written, or done by another; an answer; a response. Syn. -- Answer; rejoinder; response. -- Reply, Rejoinder, Answer. A reply is a distinct response to a formal question or attack in speech or writing. A rejoinder is a second reply (a reply to a reply) in a protracted discussion or controversy. The word answer is used in two senses, namely (1), in the most general sense of a mere response; as, the answer to a question; or (2), in the sense of a decisive and satisfactory confutation of an adversary's argument, as when we speak of a triumphant answer to the speech or accusations of an opponent. Here the noun corresponds to a frequent use of the verb, as when we say. "This will answer (i.e., fully meet) the end in view;" "It answers the purpose."

Webster 1913