'Reply' definitions:

Definition of 'reply'

(from WordNet)
noun
A statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation; "I waited several days for his answer"; "he wrote replies to several of his critics" [syn: answer, reply, response]
noun
The speech act of continuing a conversational exchange; "he growled his reply" [syn: reply, response]
verb
React verbally; "She didn't want to answer"; "answer the question"; "We answered that we would accept the invitation" [syn: answer, reply, respond]

Definition of 'Reply'

From: GCIDE
  • Reply \Re*ply"\ (r?-pl?"), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Replied (-pl?d"); p. pr. & vb. n. Replying.] [OE. replien, OF. replier, F. r['e]pliquer, fr. L. replicare to fold back, make a reply; pref. re- re- + plicare to fold. See Ply, and cf. Replica.]
  • 1. To make a return in words or writing; to respond; to answer. [1913 Webster]
  • O man, who art thou that repliest against God? --Rom. ix. 20. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. (Law) To answer a defendant's plea. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Figuratively, to do something in return for something done; as, to reply to a signal; to reply to the fire of a battery. [1913 Webster]
  • Syn: To answer; respond; rejoin. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Reply'

From: GCIDE
  • Reply \Re*ply"\, v. t. To return for an answer. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • Lords, vouchsafe To give me hearing what I shall reply. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Reply'

From: GCIDE
  • Reply \Re*ply"\, n.; pl. Replies (-pl?z"). [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. [1913 Webster]
  • Syn: Answer; rejoinder; response.
  • Usage: 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." [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'reply'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Reply'