Definition of: answer

(an′sər, än′-) v.i.
1. To reply or respond, as by words or actions.
2. To serve the purpose; prove successful: This solution answers best.
3. To be responsible or accountable: with for. I will answer for his honesty.
4. To correspond or match, as in appearance: with to: This man answers to your description.
—v.t.
5. To speak, write, or act in response or reply to: to answer a letter.
6. To be sufficient for; fulfil: This rod answers the purpose.
7. To pay for; discharge, as a debt or liability: to answer damages.
8. To conform or correspond to; match: to answer a description.
9. Law To reply favorably to, as a petition or petitioner.
—to answer back To reply emphatically or rudely; talk back, as in contradiction.
—noun
1. A reply, especially one that is definite and final.
2. Any action in return or in kind; retaliation.
3. The result of a calculation or solution of a problem in mathematics.
4. Law The written defense of a defendant in an action to charges filed against him by the plaintiff in which he sets up matters of fact as defense in contradistinction to a demurrer.
5. Music The restatement of a musical theme or phrase by a different voice or instrument. [OE andswerian]
—an′swer·er noun Synonyms (noun): rejoinder, repartee, reply, response, retort. Anything said or done in return for some word, action, or suggestion of another may be called an answer, as the blow of an angry man, the movement of a bolt in a lock, an echo, etc. A reply is an unfolding, and ordinarily implies thought and intelligence. An answer to a charge or an argument effectually meets or disposes of it, as a reply may not do. See RESPONSE.