Reply — Defs

01 v. i. To make a return in words or writing; to respond; to answer.

imp. & p. p. Replied; p. pr. & vb. n. Replying

1.
To make a return in words or writing; to respond; to answer.
“O man, who art thou that repliest against God?” — Rom. ix. 20.
2.
To answer a defendant's plea.(Law)
3.
Figuratively, to do something in return for something done; as, to reply to a signal; to reply to the fire of a battery.

Syn. To answer; respond; rejoin.

02 v. t. To return for an answer.

1.
To return for an answer.
“Lords, vouchsafe To give me hearing what I shall reply.” — Shak.

03 n. That which is said, written, or done in answer to what is said, written, or done by another; an answer; a response.

pl. Replies ((-pl�z"))

1.
That which is said, written, or done in answer to what is said, written, or done by another; an answer; a response.

Syn. 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.”