Meaning of answer In English

• 0 a reaction to a question, letter, phone call, etc.:

  • The minister promised to give a written answer to the MP's detailed question.

  • We've emailed him asking him if he's free on that date but we haven't had an answer yet.

  • I've just called him but there was no answer.

  • I didn't realize we had to write each answer on a new sheet of paper.

  • I got eight correct answers and two wrong ones in last week's exam.

  • In answer to your letter of 30 May, I am writing to accept your offer of £3,575 in compensation.

• 1 a solution to a problem:

  • It's a difficult situation and I don't know what the answer is.

  • There's no easy answer to the problem.

• 2 to say, write, or do something as a reaction to a question, letter, etc.:

  • I can't answer (you) without more detailed information.

  • You haven't answered my question.

  • I texted asking whether he'd be coming to the party but he hasn't answered yet.

  • [ + speech ] "I'd love to have dinner with you, but I won't be able to get there before nine o'clock," she answered.

  • [ + that ] She answered that she wouldn't be able to come before nine o'clock.

  • formal Does anyone here answer to the name of (= is anyone here called) Wallis?

  • Someone's at the door - would you answer it, please?

  • I phoned last night but nobody answered.

• 3 to be suitable for and satisfy someone's needs:

  • He showed me some software that answered my requirements exactly.

  • I've got some furniture in the attic that I think might answer your needs.

• 4 to match a description:

  • A woman who answers to the suspect's description was seen in the area on the night of the crime.

• 5 something said or written in reaction to a question or statement:

  • If you are asking me if I want to go into business with you, the answer is no.

  • I called several times, but there was no answer.

  • I think I got most of the answers right on the exam.

• 6 a solution to a problem:

  • There is no easy answer to the problem.