answering

6 definitions • 11 examples

present participle of

to say, write, or do something as a reaction to a question, letter, etc.:

answer a question You still haven't answered my question: why do you need to borrow my car?

I can't answer (you) without more detailed information.

I texted asking whether he'd be coming to the party but he hasn't answered yet.

[ + speech ] "I'd love to have dinner with you, but I won't be able to get there before nine o'clock," she answered.

[ + that ] She answered that she wouldn't be able to come before nine o'clock.

to be called:

Does anyone here answer to the name of Wallis?

to open the door to someone or pick up the phone:

Someone's at the door - would you answer it, please?

I phoned last night but nobody answered.

to be suitable for and satisfy someone's needs:

He showed me some software that answered my requirements exactly.

I've got some furniture in the attic that I think might answer your needs.

to match a description; to be the same as or similar to a person or thing that has been described:

We had an anonymous tip-off about a man answering your description.