reply

If you do this, you answer someone by speaking or writing.

• Please reply soon.
• She replied to my message yesterday.
• “I agree,” he replied quietly.

How to use it: reply to someone/something (Please reply to my email.); reply that… (He replied that he was ready.)

Similar words: answer, respond

Common phrases: reply to someone, reply to something, reply politely, reply immediately

If you do this, you react to what someone does by doing something yourself.

• The team replied with a goal.
• She replied to his wave with a smile.
• The army replied by sending more troops.

How to use it: reply to something with something (They replied to the attack with a warning shot.)

Similar words: respond, react

Common phrases: reply with something, reply to something

Words spoken or written to answer someone’s question, message, or comment.

• I waited for a reply.
• Her reply was short but friendly.
• Have you received any replies to your emails?

How to use it: a reply to something (I received a reply to my letter.)

Similar words: answer, response

Common phrases: a quick reply, reply to something, send a reply, a polite reply