antworten
Translation
answered, replied
Examples
Er antwortete auf meine Frage.
He answered my question.
Sie antwortete mir nicht.
She didn't answer me.
Er antwortete mit einem Lächeln.
He answered with a smile.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.dat)) to answer (sb.) She didn't answer me.
((auf+acc)) to answer (sth.) He answered my question.
Similar Words
erwidern (to retort), reagieren (to react)
Etymology
From 'Antwort' (answer), which comes from 'ant-' (counter) + 'Wort' (word). So, a 'counter-word'. 'antwortete' is the simple past tense.
Memory Tips
Think of giving a 'word' back in response. The '-ete' ending signals the simple past tense, similar to '-ed' in English.