GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Reply , v. i. [imp. & p. p. Replied ; p. pr. & vb. n. Replying.] [OE. replien, OF. replier, F. répliquer, fr. L. replicare to fold back, make a reply; pref. re- re- + plicare to fold. See Ply, and cf. Replica.]
   To make a return in words or writing; to respond; to answer.
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   O man, who art thou that repliest against God?
   Rom. ix. 20.
   
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   (Law) To answer a defendant's plea.
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   Figuratively, to do something in return for something done; as, to reply to a signal; to reply to the fire of a battery.
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   Syn. -- To answer; respond; rejoin.
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2.       
   Reply, v. t. To return for an answer.
   Milton.
   
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   Lords, vouchsafe
   To give me hearing what I shall reply.
   Shak.
   
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3.       
   Reply, n.; pl. Replies . [See Reply, v. i., and cf. Replica.] That which is said, written, or done in answer to what is said, written, or done by another; an answer; a response.
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   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.”
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