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)
1.
To make a return in words or writing; to respond; to answer. "O man, who art thou that repliest against God?"
2.
(Law) To answer a defendant's plea.
3.
Figuratively, to do something in return for something done; as, to reply to a signal; to reply to the fire of a battery.
... been there about a fortnight, he took it very ill, and said that I showed little esteem for a Pope who had urgently compelled him to write three times for me. I, who had taken his persistence in the matter still more ill, made no reply, but swallowed down my irritation. The man, who suffered from a flux of words, began one of his long yarns, and went on talking, till at the last, when I saw him tired out, I merely said that he might ... — The Autobiography of Benvenuto Cellini • Benvenuto Cellini Read full book for free!
... that country, where everyone endeavors to keep as cool as may be—while he sat thus sipping his coffee Miss Eliza, the youngest of the three daughters, came and gave him a note, which, she said, a stranger had just handed in at the door, going away again without waiting for a reply. You may judge of Barnaby's surprise when he opened the ... — Howard Pyle's Book of Pirates • Howard I. Pyle Read full book for free!
... Jonathan was too astounded at the audacity of the serious suggestion to reply; but when he ... — Hepsey Burke • Frank Noyes Westcott Read full book for free!
... Kitty's cool reply, "I had thought of going by for Katy or Corinne." Then, seeing the disappointment in the faces opposite, she added, "But maybe I might change my mind. Have you got anything to trade for a ... — The Little Colonel's Hero • Annie Fellows Johnston Read full book for free!
... with me now," said Canute, Without reply Lars rose: they walked side by side to the wagon. Lars was helped in: Canute seated himself by his side. What they talked about as they rode, or afterward in the little chamber at Aakre, in which they remained until morning, has never been known; but from ... — Stories by Foreign Authors • Various Read full book for free!
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