26984 words

answers

10 definitions • 23 examples
1
a reaction to a question, letter, phone call, etc.:

Examples:

in answer to In answer to your letter of 30 May, I am writing to accept your offer of £3,575 in compensation.
The minister promised to give a written answer to the MP's detailed question.
We've emailed him asking him if he's free on that date but we haven't had an answer yet.
I've just called him but there was no answer.
I didn't realize we had to write each answer on a new sheet of paper.
I got eight correct answers and two wrong ones in last week's exam.
2
a solution to a problem:

Examples:

It's a difficult situation and I don't know what the answer is.
There's no easy answer to the problem.
3
to say, write, or do something as a reaction to a question, letter, etc.:

Examples:

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.
4
to be called:

Examples:

Does anyone here answer to the name of Wallis?
5
to open the door to someone or pick up the phone:

Examples:

Someone's at the door - would you answer it, please?
I phoned last night but nobody answered.
6
to be suitable for and satisfy someone's needs:

Examples:

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.
7
to match a description; to be the same as or similar to a person or thing that has been described:

Examples:

We had an anonymous tip-off about a man answering your description.
8
something said or written in reaction to a question or statement:

Examples:

If you are asking me if I want to go into business with you, the answer is no.
I called several times, but there was no answer.
9
An answer is also a reaction to a question asked as part of a test:

Examples:

I think I got most of the answers right on the exam.
10
a solution to a problem:

Examples:

There is no easy answer to the problem.

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