answer
Translation
to answer, to reply
Examples
Please answer the question.
Please answer the question.
She didn't answer my letter.
She didn't answer my letter.
A man answered the door.
A man answered the door.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to reply to (a question, letter, etc.) Please answer the question.
((sb.)) to reply to (a person) He didn't answer me.
((answer)) ((that...)) to reply that... She answered that she didn't know.
Similar Words
reply, respond
Etymology
From Old English 'andswarian' meaning 'to swear back against a charge'. From 'and-' (against) + 'swerian' (to swear).
Memory Tips
Think of an answer as a response that goes 'against' a question to resolve it.