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/rɪplˈaɪ/ /riplˈaɪ/ Listen

noun

Reply n. (pl. replies) That which is said, written, or done in answer to what is said, written, or done by another; an answer; a response.

Synonyms: 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."

verb

Reply v. t. To return for an answer. "Lords, vouchsafe To give me hearing what I shall reply."

Reply v. i. (past & past part. replied; pres. part. replying)

To make a return in words or writing; to respond; to answer. "O man, who art thou that repliest against God?"

(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.

Synonyms: To answer; respond; rejoin.

See images of 'Reply'

Etymology of 'Reply'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Reply" Quotes from Famous Books

... Song ('Let School-masters,' &c.) Epilogue to 'She Stoops to Conquer' Retaliation Song ('Ah, me! when shall I marry me?') Translation ('Chaste are their instincts') The Haunch of Venison Epitaph on Thomas Parnell The Clown's Reply Epitaph on Edward Purdon Epilogue for Lee Lewes Epilogue written for 'She Stoops to Conquer' (1) Epilogue written for 'She Stoops to Conquer' (2) The Captivity. An Oratorio Verses in Reply to an Invitation to Dinner Letter in Prose ...

— The Complete Poetical Works of Oliver Goldsmith • Oliver Goldsmith

... This subject was uppermost in his mind while pursuing his canvass of Herefordshire in 1852. On applying to a voter one day for his support, he was met by a decided refusal. "I am sorry," was the candidate's reply, "that you can't give me your vote; but perhaps you can tell me whether anybody in your parish has died ...

— Character • Samuel Smiles

... know I will be within call any moment." But Ida's reply was: "If you lover her, if you care for me, don't leave him; make him live." Thus, in restoring rest and patient vigils the night wore away. The physician found that while Van Berg's leg was much bruised and wrenched, it had received no permanent ...

— A Face Illumined • E. P. Roe

... he wrote to his aunt—for cash; but her reply consisting of a tract headed with a picture of a young man in the remnants of a bath towel dining in a pig-sty, he was compelled once more to appeal to Macgregor, who fortunately happened to be fairly flush. He expended ...

— Wee Macgreegor Enlists • J. J. Bell

... reply, when a figure of terrific mien, and enormous dimensions, rushed angrily towards me, and, taking me up in my crystal chair, bore me precipitately to the earth. In my struggles to disengage myself, I awoke: and on looking about me, with difficulty could persuade ...

— Bibliomania; or Book-Madness - A Bibliographical Romance • Thomas Frognall Dibdin

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