answer

Something you say or write when someone asks you a question.

• Her answer was yes.
• He gave short answers to every question.
• Have you received an answer to your email?

How to use it: answer to something (I need an answer to my question.)

Similar words: reply, response

Common phrases: answer a question, give an answer, answer to something

Something that solves a problem or completes an exercise correctly.

• The answer is twelve.
• Check your answers before you leave.
• There is no easy answer to this problem.

How to use it: answer to something (We found an answer to the problem.)

Similar words: solution

Common phrases: correct answer, find an answer, answer to something

To say or write something in reply to a question or message.

• Please answer my question.
• She answered him politely.
• Have you answered all your emails?

Similar words: reply, respond

Common phrases: answer a question, answer an email, answer someone

To pick up a ringing phone or open a door when someone knocks or rings.

• Can you answer the phone?
• Dad answered the door in his slippers.
• Nobody answered when I rang the bell.

Similar words: pick up

Common phrases: answer the phone, answer the door, answer a call

To reply to criticism or accusations by explaining or defending what you did.

• He refused to answer the accusation.
• The minister answered criticism of her decision.
• Their lawyer will answer the charges in court.

Similar words: rebut, respond to

Common phrases: answer an accusation, answer a charge, answer criticism