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Definition answer in British English

answer verb

verb
/ˈɑːnsə(r)/
1

to give a spoken reply to a question

Example

I'm still waiting for you to answer.

Example

I want you to answer one simple question.

Example

'I don't know,' she answered truthfully.

Example

What's the matter? Answer me!

Example

I could only answer that I'd seen them leaving together.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

to send a written reply to something such as a letter or an advertisement

Example

She answered an advertisement asking for models.

Synonyms and related words
1.2

to come to the door when someone calls at your house, or pick up the phone when it rings

Example

I knocked and a young man answered the door.

Example

The phone rang and rang but she couldn't bring herself to answer it.

Synonyms and related words
2

to try to give the correct reply to a question in a test or competition

Example

Answer one question from each section.

Example

Not everyone answered correctly.

Synonyms and related words
3

to explain your actions to someone who has accused you of something

Example

How would you answer charges that your company puts profit before safety?

Example

The Prime Minister made no attempt to answer their criticisms.

Synonyms and related words
4

to provide what is needed, wanted, or asked for, especially in order to deal with a bad situation

Example

Their request for help was answered by the Red Cross.

Example

The estate was built to answer a need for low-cost housing.

Example

When they saw the plane, they knew their prayers had been answered.

Synonyms and related words
5

to do something as a reaction to what someone else has done

Example

He answered her look with a smile.

Example

The attack was answered by an immediate military crackdown.

Synonyms and related words
Definition answer in British English