reply

Definition

To give a written or spoken response, especially to a question, request, accusation or criticism; to answer.

Etymology

From Middle English replyen, replien, borrowed from Old French replier (“to reply”), from the Latin replicō, replicāre (“I fold back”) (in Late or Medieval Latin "to reply, repeat"), from re + plicō (“I fold”); the noun derives from the verb by nominalisation. Doublet of replicate and replica.

Example Sentences

• "(intransitive) Please reply to my letter."
• "(transitive) "Sorry I'm late," replied the student."
• "(transitive) He replied that he was not sure."