reply Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
answer; response.
- I waited several days for his answer
- he wrote replies to several of his critics
noun the speech act of continuing a conversational exchange
response.
- he growled his reply
verb react verbally
answer; respond.
- She didn't want to answer
- answer the question
- We answered that we would accept the invitation

OE. replien, OF. replier, F. répliquer, fr. L. replicare to fold back, make a reply; pref. re- re- + plicare to fold. See Ply, and cf. Replica.

imperfect & past participle Replied present participle & verbal noun Replying

To make a return in words or writing; to respond; to answer.
O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Rom. ix. 20.
(Law) To answer a defendant's plea.
Figuratively, to do something in return for something done; as, to reply to a signal; to reply to the fire of a battery. Syn. -- To answer; respond; rejoin.

To return for an answer. Milton.
Lords, vouchsafe To give me hearing what I shall reply. Shak.

See Reply, v. i., and cf. Replica.

plural Replies

That which is said, written, or done in answer to what is said, written, or done by another; an answer; a response. Syn. -- Answer; rejoinder; response. -- Reply, Rejoinder, Answer. A reply is a distinct response to a formal question or attack in speech or writing. A rejoinder is a second reply (a reply to a reply) in a protracted discussion or controversy. The word answer is used in two senses, namely (1), in the most general sense of a mere response; as, the answer to a question; or (2), in the sense of a decisive and satisfactory confutation of an adversary's argument, as when we speak of a triumphant answer to the speech or accusations of an opponent. Here the noun corresponds to a frequent use of the verb, as when we say. "This will answer (i.e., fully meet) the end in view;" "It answers the purpose."