erwidern
Translation
to reply, to answer, to return (a feeling, a look), to retort
Examples
Er erwiderte nichts auf meine Frage.
He replied nothing to my question.
Sie erwiderte sein Lächeln freundlich.
She returned his smile kindly.
Grammar Patterns
((auf etw.)) etw. erwidern to reply sth. ((to sth.)) He replied nothing to my question.
jdm. etw. erwidern to return sth. to sb. She returned his smile.
Similar Words
Synonyms: antworten, entgegnen
Etymology
Prefix er- + wider (against, back). The idea is 'to give back against' something said or done, hence 'to reply, return'.
Memory Tips
Focus on 'wider' (against/back). You are sending words or a gesture *back* in response.