answer

/ˈan(t)-sər/

Middle English, from Old English andswaru (akin to Old Norse andsvar answer); akin to Old English and- against, swerian to swear

noun

  1. something spoken or written in reply to a question

  2. a correct response

  3. a reply to a legal charge or suit : plea; also : defense

His answer surprised us.

knows the answer

answer response reply rejoinder retort mean something spoken, written, or done in return. answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need. response may imply a quick or spontaneous reaction to a person or thing that serves as a stimulus.

verb

  1. to speak or write in reply

  2. to be or make oneself responsible or accountable

  3. to make amends : atone

think carefully before answering

phrasal verb

  1. to reply to someone especially in a rude way

impolite children who answer back when their teacher corrects them