answer

(noun) a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation. Synonyms: reply, response. Examples: "I waited several days for his answer." "He wrote replies to several of his critics."

(noun) a statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem. Synonyms: solution, result, resolution, solvent. Examples: "They were trying to find a peaceful solution." "The answers were in the back of the book." "He computed the result to four decimal places."

(noun) the speech act of replying to a question.

(noun) the principal pleading by the defendant in response to plaintiff's complaint; in criminal law it consists of the defendant's plea of `guilty' or `not guilty' (or nolo contendere); in civil law it must contain denials of all allegations in the plaintiff's complaint that the defendant hopes to controvert and it can contain affirmative defenses or counterclaims.

(noun) a nonverbal reaction. Examples: "His answer to any problem was to get drunk." "Their answer was to sue me."

(verb) react verbally. Synonyms: reply, respond. Examples: "She didn't want to answer." "Answer the question." "We answered that we would accept the invitation."

(verb) respond to a signal. Examples: "Answer the door." "Answer the telephone."

(verb) give the correct answer or solution to. Examples: "Answer a question." "Answer the riddle."

(verb) understand the meaning of. Synonyms: resolve. Examples: "The question concerning the meaning of life cannot be answered."

(verb) give a defence or refutation of (a charge) or in (an argument). Examples: "The defendant answered to all the charges of the prosecution."

(verb) be liable or accountable. Examples: "She must answer for her actions."

(verb) be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity. Synonyms: suffice, do, serve. Examples: "A few words would answer." "This car suits my purpose well." "Will $100 do?." "A 'b' grade doesn't suffice to get me into medical school." "Nothing else will serve."

(verb) match or correspond. Examples: "The drawing of the suspect answers to the description the victim gave."

(verb) be satisfactory for; meet the requirements of or serve the purpose of. Examples: "This may answer her needs."

(verb) react to a stimulus or command. Examples: "The steering of my new car answers to the slightest touch."