a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation; I waited several days for his answer; he wrote replies to several of his critics
a statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem; they were trying to find a peaceful solution; the answers were in the back of the book; he computed the result to four decimal places
[ Syn: solution , result , resolution , solvent ]
the speech act of replying to a question
the principal pleading by the defendant in response to plaintiff's complaint; in criminal law it consists of the defendant's plea of `guilty' or `not guilty' (or nolo contendere); in civil law it must contain denials of all allegations in the plaintiff's complaint that the defendant hopes to controvert and it can contain affirmative defenses or counterclaims
a nonverbal reaction; his answer to any problem was to get drunk; their answer was to sue me'
answer (n.)
react verbally; She didnt want to answer; answer the question; We answered that we would accept the invitation
react to a stimulus or command; The steering of my new car answers to the slightest touch'
respond to a signal; answer the door; answer the telephone'
give the correct answer or solution to; answer a question; answer the riddle'
understand the meaning of; The question concerning the meaning of life cannot be answered
[ Syn: resolve ]
give a defence or refutation of (a charge) or in (an argument); The defendant answered to all the charges of the prosecution'
be liable or accountable; She must answer for her actions'
be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity; A few words would answer; This car suits my purpose well; Will $100 do?; A B grade doesnt suffice to get me into medical school; Nothing else will serve
match or correspond; The drawing of the suspect answers to the description the victim gave'
be satisfactory for; meet the requirements of or serve the purpose of; This may answer her needs'