answer

answerverb

To answer is to give a reply in words to a question, to pick up a phone or open a door when someone calls, or to be responsible for what you do.

1. give a replygive a reply in words to a question, a letter, or someone who speaks to you

   transitive or intransitive [T/I] verb + object [V + obj] verb + that-clause [V + that]

   • She answered every question correctly. V + obj
   • He answered that he didn't know. V + that
   • I asked twice, but she didn't answer.
   • Answer me honestly. V + obj

   Collocations

   verb + noun answer a question, answer a letter

   Synonyms reply; get; pick up

   Antonyms ask

2. phone or doorpick up a telephone or open a door when someone calls or knocks

   transitive or intransitive [T/I] verb + object [V + obj]

   • Can you answer the phone? V + obj
   • She answered the door in her pajamas. V + obj
   • I'll get it — I'll answer.
   • No one answered, so we left a note.

   Collocations

   verb + noun answer the phone, answer the door

3. be responsiblebe responsible for something, especially something wrong, or have to explain your actions to someone with authority over you

   intransitive [I] verb + preposition + object [V + prep + obj]

   • You will answer to the manager for any mistakes. V + prep + obj
   • He answers only to himself. V + prep + obj
   • Someone has to answer for this decision. V + prep + obj
   • In the end, we all answer for our choices.

   Collocations

   verb + preposition answer to, answer for

See also reply; respond