verb

answering

to answer, to reply

She is answering the phone.

She is answering the phone.

Answering questions is part of the job.

Answering questions is part of the job.

((sth.)) to reply to (a question, etc.) Please answer my question.

((the phone/door)) to respond to (a call/knock) Can you answer the phone?

Synonyms: replying, responding; Antonyms: asking, questioning

From Old English 'andswarian', meaning 'to swear back in return'. From 'and-' (against) + 'swarian' (to swear).

Think of a question as a 'call', and your 'answer' is the response you send back.

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