Explanation at your level:
Hello! The word answer is like when someone asks you a question, and you tell them what you know. For example, if I ask, 'What is your name?', and you say 'My name is Alex!', you are giving me an answer. It’s how we share information when someone wants to know something. You can answer with words or sometimes by doing something.
The verb answer means to reply to a question or a call. When someone asks you something, like 'What did you eat for breakfast?', your response is the answer. You can also answer the phone when it rings, or answer a knock at the door. It's a common word for giving a reply.
Answer is a fundamental verb used when responding to inquiries or challenges. You answer a question asked by a teacher, or you might answer an email from a colleague. It implies providing the information that was sought. Common phrases include 'answer the phone' and 'answer back,' which means to reply rudely.
The verb answer signifies providing a response to a question, call, or even a problem. Beyond simple replies, it can carry connotations of responsibility, as in 'to answer for one's actions.' It's used in various contexts, from academic settings ('answer the prompt') to social interactions ('answer a text message'). Understanding its nuances, like the impolite 'answer back,' is key.
Answer functions as a verb denoting a response to a query, communication, or stimulus. Its application extends beyond direct replies to encompass fulfilling obligations ('answer the call of duty') or facing consequences ('answer for one's deeds'). The word is employed across diverse registers, from formal examinations requiring detailed 'answers' to informal exchanges where a quick 'answer' suffices. Its etymology suggests an original meaning tied to truth-telling.
The verb answer, derived from Old English 'andswaru' (truth-sayer), signifies a reply or response. Its semantic range is broad, encompassing direct verbal or written responses to questions, the act of responding to a summons ('answer the door'), or taking responsibility ('answer for one's actions'). In literary contexts, 'answer' can imply a fitting reaction or consequence. The silent 'w' is a notable orthographic feature. Its usage spans from elementary communication to complex legal and ethical accountability, reflecting its enduring importance in human interaction.
Wort in 30 Sekunden
- Core meaning: To respond to a question or inquiry.
- Key forms: Verb ('answer') and noun ('an answer').
- Common phrases: 'answer the phone', 'answer the door', 'answer back', 'answer for'.
- Pronunciation note: The 'w' is silent.
Hey there! Let's dive into the word answer. At its core, it means to respond to a question or a problem. Think of it as closing the loop in a conversation or a task. When someone poses a question, they're looking for a response, and that response is the answer!
It's a super versatile word, used in everything from casual chats to formal exams. Whether you're answering a friend's text, a teacher's question, or even a riddle, you're providing the information that was sought. It's all about communication and making sure understanding flows back and forth.
We use 'answer' when we give a reply to something asked. It's the opposite of asking a question. So, if someone asks, 'What time is it?', and you say, 'It's three o'clock,' you've just answered their question. Easy peasy!
The word answer has a long and fascinating history, stretching all the way back to Old English. Its roots lie in the word 'andswaru,' which literally meant 'truth-sayer' or 'reply-word.' Pretty cool, right? It comes from 'and-' (meaning 'against' or 'back') and 'swaru' (meaning 'oath' or 'reply'). So, originally, it implied speaking the truth in response to something, almost like taking an oath to be truthful.
Over centuries, the word evolved. The 'd' in 'andswaru' eventually dropped off, giving us 'answer.' It's been a fundamental part of the English language for over a thousand years, showing up in some of the earliest written records. It’s a testament to how important responding and communicating clearly has always been for humans.
Interestingly, many Germanic languages have similar words. For instance, German has 'antworten' (to answer), which shares that common ancestor. The concept of providing a reply or a truth-telling response is universal, and the word 'answer' perfectly captures that enduring human need to communicate and resolve inquiries.
The word answer is used in countless situations! You can answer a question, answer the phone, answer a knock at the door, or even answer a charge (in a legal context). The key is that you are responding to something specific.
Common collocations include: 'answer the question,' 'answer the phone,' 'answer back' (which means to reply rudely), and 'answer for' (meaning to be responsible for something). We often use it with prepositions like 'to' when specifying what we're answering, like 'I need to answer to my boss.'
In terms of formality, 'answer' is quite neutral. You can use it in a casual chat with friends ('Did you answer his email yet?') or in a formal setting like an exam ('Please answer all questions'). The context usually makes the formality clear. It's a workhorse word that fits almost anywhere!
Answer the call: To respond to a need or a duty.
Example: She decided to answer the call to volunteer after the disaster.
Answer for something: To be responsible for something, especially something bad.
Example: The politician had to answer for his controversial statements.
Answer back: To reply rudely or defiantly, especially to someone older or in authority.
Example: Don't answer back to your parents; it's disrespectful.
In answer to: Used to introduce a response to a question or statement.
Example: In answer to your query, the report will be ready by Friday.
No answer: When there is no response or reply.
Example: I called him three times, but there was no answer.
Give someone the answers: To tell someone the correct solutions, often in a test or quiz.
Example: The teacher refused to give the students the answers before the exam.
The verb 'answer' is regular. Its past tense is 'answered' and its past participle is also 'answered'. For example: 'She answered the phone,' and 'She has answered all the questions.'
Pronunciation can vary slightly between British English (BrE) and American English (AmE). In BrE, it's often pronounced as /ˈɑːn.sə/, with a softer 'r' sound at the end or sometimes dropped. In AmE, it's typically /ˈæn.sər/, with a clearer 'r' sound.
The 'w' in 'answer' is silent! This is a common spelling quirk in English, similar to words like 'watch' or 'sword'. So, remember not to pronounce it. Some words that rhyme with 'answer' include 'dancer,' 'cancer,' and 'prancer,' though the vowel sound might differ slightly.
Fun Fact
The original meaning implied speaking the truth, almost like taking an oath.
Pronunciation Guide
Starts with a long 'ah' sound like in 'father', followed by 'n', then 's', and a soft 'uh' sound at the end. The 'w' is silent.
Starts with a short 'a' sound like in 'cat', followed by 'n', then 's', and a clear 'er' sound. The 'w' is silent.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'w'.
- Using the wrong vowel sound (e.g., 'on-ser' in American English or 'an-ser' in British English).
- Adding an extra syllable.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read, common word.
Easy to write, common spelling.
Easy to pronounce, common word.
Easy to understand.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Fortgeschritten
Grammar to Know
Verb Tenses
He answers (present), He answered (past), He will answer (future).
Silent Letters
The 'w' in 'answer' is silent.
Phrasal Verbs
'Answer back' and 'answer for' are phrasal verbs with specific meanings.
Examples by Level
I answer the question.
I / reply / the / question.
Subject + verb + object.
She can answer.
She / can / reply.
Modal verb 'can' + base verb.
Do you answer?
Do / you / reply?
Auxiliary verb 'do' for questions.
He answers the phone.
He / replies / the / phone.
Third person singular '-s' ending.
They answer loud.
They / reply / loud.
Adverb 'loud' describes how they answer.
Answer me now!
Reply / me / now!
Imperative form for commands.
The boy answers.
The / boy / replies.
Simple present tense.
We answer quickly.
We / reply / quickly.
Adverb 'quickly' describes the manner of answering.
Please answer the door when someone knocks.
Please / reply / the / door / when / someone / knocks.
Imperative mood.
I didn't answer his question because I didn't know.
I / not / replied / his / question / because / I / not / knew.
Past tense negative 'didn't answer'.
Can you answer this riddle for me?
Can / you / reply / this / riddle / for / me?
Question using modal verb 'can'.
She always answers her emails promptly.
She / always / replies / her / emails / quickly.
Present simple for habitual actions.
He answered back rudely, so his mother was angry.
He / replied / back / rudely, / so / his / mother / was / angry.
Past tense of 'answer back'.
The teacher asked a question, and the students tried to answer.
The / teacher / asked / a / question, / and / the / students / tried / to / reply.
Infinitive 'to answer'.
If you don't answer the phone, I'll leave a message.
If / you / not / reply / the / phone, / I / will / leave / a / message.
Conditional sentence structure.
What is the answer to question number five?
What / is / the / reply / to / question / number / five?
Noun form 'answer'.
He refused to answer the reporter's questions directly.
He / refused / to / reply / the / reporter's / questions / directly.
Infinitive 'to answer'.
In answer to your request, we have attached the relevant documents.
In / reply / to / your / request, / we / have / attached / the / relevant / documents.
Fixed phrase 'In answer to'.
She was praised for her quick and accurate answers.
She / was / praised / for / her / quick / and / accurate / replies.
Plural noun 'answers'.
Don't answer back to your elders; show some respect.
Don't / reply / back / to / your / elders; / show / some / respect.
Negative imperative 'Don't answer back'.
The detective tried to get the suspect to answer incriminating questions.
The / detective / tried / to / get / the / suspect / to / reply / incriminating / questions.
Structure 'get someone to answer'.
If you don't know the answer, it's better to say so than to guess.
If / you / not / know / the / reply, / it / is / better / to / say / so / than / to / guess.
Noun 'answer' vs. verb.
He will have to answer for his actions in court.
He / will / have / to / be responsible / for / his / actions / in / court.
Phrasal verb 'answer for'.
She answered the door to find a delivery driver.
She / replied / the / door / to / find / a / delivery / driver.
Past tense 'answered'.
The politician evaded the question, refusing to answer directly.
The / politician / avoided / the / question, / refusing / to / reply / directly.
Verb 'evade' + infinitive 'to answer'.
We received numerous complaints, but only a few answers.
We / received / numerous / complaints, / but / only / a / few / replies.
Contrast between noun 'complaints' and 'answers'.
He felt he had to answer for the company's financial losses.
He / felt / he / had / to / be responsible / for / the / company's / financial / losses.
Idiomatic use of 'answer for'.
Her sharp retort was seen by some as answering back.
Her / sharp / reply / was / seen / by / some / as / replying / back.
Gerund form 'answering back'.
The system is designed to answer queries automatically.
The / system / is / designed / to / reply / questions / automatically.
Passive voice + infinitive structure.
In answer to the public's concerns, the committee issued a statement.
In / reply / to / the / public's / concerns, / the / committee / issued / a / statement.
Formal phrasing 'In answer to'.
They are still trying to find a definitive answer to the problem.
They / are / still / trying / to / find / a / definitive / reply / to / the / problem.
Adjective 'definitive' modifying noun 'answer'.
He refused to answer the call, fearing it was a scam.
He / refused / to / reply / the / call, / fearing / it / was / a / scam.
Verb + object + participle clause.
The investigation aimed to elicit answers regarding the alleged corruption.
The / investigation / aimed / to / draw out / replies / concerning / the / alleged / corruption.
Verb 'elicit' + noun 'answers'.
His silence was interpreted as an unwillingness to answer probing questions.
His / silence / was / interpreted / as / an / unwillingness / to / reply / probing / questions.
Abstract noun 'unwillingness' + infinitive phrase.
The company must answer for its environmental impact.
The / company / must / be held accountable / for / its / environmental / impact.
Formal register of 'answer for'.
She found it difficult to answer the philosophical questions posed.
She / found / it / difficult / to / reply / the / philosophical / questions / posed.
Complex sentence structure.
The government's response failed to answer the pressing needs of the citizens.
The / government's / response / failed / to / address / the / pressing / needs / of / the / citizens.
Figurative use of 'answer' (to address needs).
He felt compelled to answer the call of duty, despite the risks.
He / felt / compelled / to / respond / the / call / of / duty, / despite / the / risks.
Idiomatic phrase 'call of duty'.
The lack of a clear answer fueled further speculation.
The / lack / of / a / clear / reply / fueled / further / speculation.
Abstract noun 'lack' + noun 'answer'.
She learned to answer back with wit rather than anger.
She / learned / to / reply / back / with / wit / rather / than / anger.
Nuanced use of 'answer back'.
The oracle's cryptic pronouncements offered few direct answers.
The / oracle's / mysterious / declarations / offered / few / direct / replies.
Literary vocabulary: 'oracle', 'cryptic pronouncements'.
He had to answer for his transgressions before the council.
He / had / to / be held accountable / for / his / wrongdoings / before / the / council.
Archaic/formal register: 'transgressions', 'council'.
Her eloquent defense sought to answer the charges leveled against her.
Her / eloquent / defense / sought / to / refute / the / accusations / leveled / against / her.
Sophisticated vocabulary: 'eloquent', 'leveled'.
The complex nature of the problem defied any simple answer.
The / complex / nature / of / the / problem / defied / any / simple / reply.
Abstract concepts: 'nature of the problem', 'defied'.
The historian's work attempts to answer long-standing questions about the era.
The / historian's / work / attempts / to / provide solutions / to / long-standing / questions / about / the / era.
Academic context, 'long-standing questions'.
He refused to answer the summons, believing it to be illegitimate.
He / refused / to / respond / to / the / official order, / believing / it / to / be / illegitimate.
Formal vocabulary: 'summons', 'illegitimate'.
The subtle nuances in her reply suggested more than she explicitly stated.
The / subtle / shades of meaning / in / her / reply / suggested / more / than / she / explicitly / stated.
Focus on subtext and implication.
They felt morally obligated to answer the plea for help from the refugees.
They / felt / morally / obligated / to / respond / the / plea / for / help / from / the / refugees.
Ethical dimension, formal register.
Häufige Kollokationen
Idioms & Expressions
"answer the call"
To respond to a need, duty, or opportunity.
Many people answered the call to help during the crisis.
neutral"answer for something"
To be responsible for something, especially negative consequences.
The CEO had to answer for the company's poor performance.
formal"answer back"
To reply rudely or defiantly, especially to an elder or authority figure.
Children shouldn't answer back to their parents.
casual"in answer to"
Used to introduce a response to a specific question or statement.
In answer to your question about the deadline, it has been extended.
neutral/formal"no answer"
When there is no reply or response to a communication attempt.
I tried calling him all morning, but there was no answer.
neutral"give someone the answers"
To provide someone with the correct solutions, especially in a test or quiz setting (often implies cheating).
The teacher refused to give the students the answers before the exam.
neutralEasily Confused
They are opposite actions in a communication exchange.
'Question' is asking for information, while 'answer' is providing it.
He asked a question, but I didn't have an answer. (Correct) / He answered a question, but I didn't have a question. (Incorrect)
Often used synonymously with 'answer'.
'Answer' is most common for direct questions. 'Reply' is often used for written communication (letters, emails) or a more general response.
She gave a quick reply to the email. (Good) / She gave a quick answer to the email. (Okay, but 'reply' is more common here.)
Also a synonym for 'answer'.
'Respond' can mean to react physically or emotionally, not just verbally. It can also be more formal than 'answer'.
The patient responded well to the treatment. (Not 'answered well') / He responded to the criticism with anger. (More common than 'answered the criticism')
Both relate to problems or questions.
'Solve' specifically means to find the correct solution to a problem (math, puzzle, issue). 'Answer' is the information given, which might be the solution.
Can you solve this math problem? (Correct) / Can you answer this math problem? (Less common, implies giving the numerical answer.) / I found the answer to the puzzle. (Correct)
Sentence Patterns
Subject + answer + object.
The student answered the teacher's question.
Subject + answer + object + prepositional phrase.
She answered the phone with a smile.
Subject + answer + back.
He always answers back when his parents tell him what to do.
Subject + answer + for + noun/pronoun.
The company will have to answer for its pollution.
In answer to + noun phrase.
In answer to your request, we have sent the documents.
Wortfamilie
Nouns
Verwandt
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Häufige Fehler
The 'w' is silent in the word 'answer'.
'Answer' can be both a verb and a noun, but requires an article or determiner when used as a noun.
These prepositions change the meaning significantly.
Consider the nuance: 'respond' often implies a reaction, while 'reply' is a direct answer.
Using 'answer back' inappropriately can sound aggressive.
Tips
Silent 'W' Trick
Always remember the 'w' in 'answer' is like a ghost – it's there on paper but makes no sound!
Respectful Replies
Be mindful of 'answering back'. In many cultures, it's considered very disrespectful. Use it carefully!
Verb or Noun?
Remember 'answer' can be a verb ('I answer') or a noun ('an answer'). Pay attention to articles like 'a' or 'the' before it when it's a noun.
Say It Smoothly
Practice the 'AN-ser' or 'AHN-suh' sound. Focus on not pronouncing the 'w' and getting the vowel sound right for your accent.
Don't Confuse 'For' and 'To'
Mixing up 'answer for' (responsibility) and 'answer to' (reporting) changes the meaning completely. Keep them separate!
Ancient Roots
The word 'answer' is over 1,000 years old and originally meant 'truth-sayer'! It shows how important honest replies have always been.
Question & Answer Journal
Keep a journal where you write down questions you have and then write the answers. This actively uses the word 'answer' and reinforces its meaning.
Beyond Questions
Don't forget 'answer' can mean responding to a knock, a phone call, or even a challenge. It's more than just verbal replies!
Rhyme Time
Practice rhyming 'answer' with words like 'dancer' and 'cancer' to get a feel for the vowel sound.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'ANswer' sounding like 'AND SWore' - you 'and swore' to tell the truth when you 'answer'.
Visual Association
Imagine a person shouting an answer across a large hall, making sure everyone hears it clearly.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to answer five questions from a news article out loud today.
Wortherkunft
Old English
Original meaning: 'andswaru' - truth-sayer, reply-word (from 'and-' against/back + 'swaru' oath/reply)
Kultureller Kontext
In some cultures, 'answering back' can be seen as extremely disrespectful, while in others, it might be perceived as assertiveness. Context is crucial.
In English-speaking cultures, providing timely and clear answers is highly valued in both professional and personal interactions. Directness is often preferred, though politeness is also important.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At school/university
- Answer the question.
- Provide the correct answer.
- Answer all parts of the question.
Everyday communication
- Answer the phone.
- Answer the door.
- Did you answer his text?
Workplace
- Answer emails promptly.
- Answer to the manager.
- Answer for the team's performance.
Legal/Formal
- Answer the charges.
- Answer the summons.
- Give a satisfactory answer.
Conversation Starters
"What's the best answer you've ever given?"
"If you could ask one question and get a guaranteed true answer, what would it be?"
"How do you usually answer the phone?"
"Do you think it's always best to answer questions directly?"
"What's something you wish people would answer more honestly?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you gave a really important answer.
Write about a question you wish you could answer.
Reflect on a situation where you had to 'answer for' someone else's mistake.
What does it mean to you to 'answer the call' of something important?
Häufig gestellte Fragen
8 FragenWhile often interchangeable, 'answer' is typically used for questions. 'Reply' is a general term for responding to communication (like emails or letters). 'Respond' can be broader, meaning to react or react to something, not just a question.
No, 'answer' can also be a noun. For example, 'What is the answer to the question?' Here, 'answer' is the noun representing the reply.
In American English, it's pronounced roughly 'AN-ser'. In British English, it's often closer to 'AHN-suh'. Remember the 'w' is silent in both.
'Answer back' means to reply rudely or defiantly, especially to someone in authority or an elder.
Yes, you can 'answer' a question or 'find the answer/solution' to a problem. The verb 'solve' is more common for problems.
The past tense is 'answered', and the past participle is also 'answered'.
It's a historical spelling quirk. The word evolved from Old English 'andswaru', and over time, the pronunciation shifted, but the spelling remained.
'Answer for' means to be responsible for something (e.g., 'answer for your actions'). 'Answer to' means to report to someone (e.g., 'I answer to the manager').
Teste dich selbst
Please ______ the door, I think it's for you.
We 'answer the door' when someone knocks or rings the bell.
Which word means to reply to a question?
'Answer' is the word for replying to a question.
The word 'answer' has a silent 'w'.
Yes, the 'w' in 'answer' is silent.
Word
Bedeutung
These are common phrases using the verb 'answer'.
The correct sentence is 'He refused to answer the questions.'
In ______ to your email, we are pleased to inform you that your application has been successful.
'In answer to' is a common fixed phrase used to introduce a reply.
Which phrase means to be held accountable for one's actions?
'Answer for' means to be responsible and face consequences.
The detective hoped the suspect would finally ______ the truth.
While 'reveal' or 'confess' might fit, 'answer the truth' is a common idiomatic way to say someone finally tells the truth when asked.
The ancient text offered cryptic pronouncements that yielded few direct ______.
'Answers' fits best here, referring to direct replies to implied questions within the text. 'Replies' is also possible but 'answers' feels slightly more definitive in this context.
Which of the following is NOT a typical meaning of 'answer'?
'Answer' relates to responding or being accountable, not to creation or invention.
Ergebnis: /10
Summary
Mastering 'answer' means knowing how to respond clearly, whether to a simple question or a complex situation.
- Core meaning: To respond to a question or inquiry.
- Key forms: Verb ('answer') and noun ('an answer').
- Common phrases: 'answer the phone', 'answer the door', 'answer back', 'answer for'.
- Pronunciation note: The 'w' is silent.
Silent 'W' Trick
Always remember the 'w' in 'answer' is like a ghost – it's there on paper but makes no sound!
Context is Key
Think about *what* you are responding to. Is it a question? A call? A problem? This helps choose the right phrasing.
Respectful Replies
Be mindful of 'answering back'. In many cultures, it's considered very disrespectful. Use it carefully!
Verb or Noun?
Remember 'answer' can be a verb ('I answer') or a noun ('an answer'). Pay attention to articles like 'a' or 'the' before it when it's a noun.
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について
A2about; concerning
宛先
B1The address or name of the recipient to whom mail or an email is sent.
番地
A2House number
賛同
B1Approval, endorsement; support or agreement with an idea.
~も
A2Too, also.
〜そして
A1And then; and (used to connect sentences or clauses).
たり
A2Indicates a non-exhaustive list of actions/states ('and so on').
〜や
A2And; and so forth (used to list examples, implying others exist).
お知らせ
B1Notice; an announcement or communication.
答え
A2A thing said, written, or done as a reaction to a question or statement.
