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To answer means to say or write something in response to a question or statement.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn the word 'answer'. When someone asks you a question, you give them an 'answer'. For example, if I ask 'What is your name?', you say 'My name is...'. That is your answer! You can also 'answer' the phone when it rings. It's like talking back or giving information. We use 'answer' a lot!
The verb 'answer' means to reply to a question or a statement. If someone asks you something, your response is your 'answer'. For instance, if your teacher asks you a question in class, you raise your hand and 'answer' it. We also use 'answer' when we pick up the phone – we 'answer the phone'. It's a very practical word for everyday communication.
'Answer' is a fundamental verb used when providing a response to a query or communication. It can be used in various contexts, such as answering questions in a test ('I answered all the questions correctly'), responding to emails ('She is still waiting for an answer to her email'), or acknowledging a phone call ('He didn't answer the phone'). Understanding its common collocations like 'answer the door' or 'answer back' will help you use it more naturally.
The verb 'answer' signifies providing a reply or resolution to a question, statement, or stimulus. Beyond its literal meaning, 'answer' can be used more broadly. For example, 'His prayers were answered' means his wishes were fulfilled. It also appears in common idioms like 'answer the call of nature,' a polite euphemism for using the restroom. Pay attention to the register; 'answer back' implies a defiant or rude reply, often to an authority figure.
'Answer' encompasses a range of responses, from direct replies to questions to fulfilling expectations or providing solutions. In a more abstract sense, it can denote a reaction or consequence, as in 'The experiment yielded no answer.' It is also found in nuanced expressions such as 'an answer to one's prayers,' signifying the fulfillment of a long-awaited desire. The word's etymology, stemming from Old English 'andswaru' (a statement back), highlights its core function of reciprocal communication.
The multifaceted verb 'answer' denotes the act of responding to any form of communication, inquiry, or stimulus, extending to metaphorical applications where it signifies resolution, fulfillment, or reaction. Historically derived from Old English 'andswaru', it originally meant a 'statement back' or 'oath'. Its usage spans from the literal ('answer the question') to the idiomatic ('answer the call of nature') and the figurative ('his silence answered everything'). Understanding its semantic range requires appreciating contexts where it implies a solution, a consequence, or a reciprocal action, often with subtle connotations of appropriateness or timeliness.
Palavra em 30 segundos
- Verb meaning to reply to a question or statement.
- Also used for answering the phone/door.
- Pronounced 'AN-ser' with a silent 's'.
- Has noun form 'answer' (the reply/solution) and related idioms.
Hey there! Let's dive into the word 'answer'. It's a super common and useful verb that we use all the time in English. Basically, when someone asks you a question, or says something to you, and you respond back, you are answering them. Think of it like a two-way street for talking or writing!
It's not just about questions, though. You can also 'answer' a call, like when your phone rings and you pick it up. Or, if something unexpected happens, like a loud noise, your heart might 'answer' by beating faster – that's a more figurative use! We use 'answer' in so many situations, from casual chats to formal reports, making it a real workhorse of a word in English.
The word 'answer' has a fascinating history that stretches way back! It comes from Old English, where it was 'andswaru'. This word is actually a combination of two parts: 'and-', meaning 'against' or 'back', and '-swaru', meaning 'a statement' or 'oath'. So, originally, an 'answer' was like a 'statement back' or a 'reply'.
Interestingly, the 's' sound in 'answer' used to be pronounced, but over time, it became silent. This is why we spell it with an 's' but don't say it! This kind of change happens in languages as they evolve. The concept of responding to something is universal, and you can find similar ideas in other languages, though the specific word 'answer' is deeply rooted in Germanic languages.
We use 'answer' in tons of everyday situations. The most common use is in response to a question: 'She answered the teacher's question.' But you can also 'answer' a letter, an email, or even a knock on the door. Think about common phrases like 'answer the phone' or 'answer the call'.
When it comes to formality, 'answer' is pretty versatile. You can 'answer' a friend casually ('What did you say? I didn't hear your answer!'), or you can 'answer' a formal inquiry in a business setting ('Please answer the following questions by Friday.'). It generally sits in the neutral to slightly formal register, but it's rarely considered slang. It's a word you can use with confidence in most contexts!
The word 'answer' pops up in some really cool idioms and expressions. These phrases often have meanings that go beyond the literal definition of 'to reply'. Let's look at a few!
- Answer the call of nature: This is a polite and slightly humorous way to say you need to go to the toilet. Example: 'Excuse me, I need to answer the call of nature.'
- In answer to your question: This phrase is used to directly address a question that was previously asked. Example: 'In answer to your question about the project deadline, it has been extended.'
- No answer: This can mean that no one replied, or that there is no solution to a problem. Example: 'I called him twice, but there was no answer.'
- The answer is blowing in the wind: A famous lyric suggesting that the solution to a problem is obvious or all around us, but perhaps not yet recognized. Example: 'We're looking for a simple solution, but maybe the answer is blowing in the wind.'
- Answer back: This means to reply rudely or defiantly, especially to someone in authority. Example: 'Don't answer back to your parents!'
Let's break down the grammar and pronunciation of 'answer'. As a verb, it follows regular conjugation patterns: 'answer', 'answers', 'answered', 'answering'. For example, 'He answers the phone every morning.' or 'She answered my email yesterday.'
Pronunciation is where it gets a little tricky because of that silent 's'! In both British English (UK) and American English (US), the 's' is not pronounced. It sounds like 'an-swer'. The stress is always on the first syllable: AN-swer. Common pronunciation mistakes include actually pronouncing the 's' sound, which sounds unnatural to native speakers. Words that rhyme with 'answer' are rare, but you might find near rhymes like 'danser' (though that's not a common English word).
Fun Fact
The 's' in 'answer' was once pronounced but became silent over centuries of use, a common linguistic shift.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'AHN-ser'. The first syllable is stressed, and the 's' is silent.
Sounds like 'AN-ser'. Similar to UK, with a slight difference in the vowel sound of the first syllable, and the 'r' sound at the end.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 's': Saying 'an-Swer' instead of 'an-swer'.
- Incorrect stress: Stressing the second syllable ('an-SER').
- Mispronouncing the vowel: Using a vowel sound that doesn't match standard pronunciation.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to understand in context, but pronunciation and idioms add complexity.
Straightforward verb conjugation, but careful use of noun forms and idioms is needed.
Pronunciation (silent 's') can be tricky for learners. Using idioms correctly requires practice.
Generally easy to understand due to common usage, but accents can affect clarity.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Avançado
Grammar to Know
Verb Conjugation (Regular Verbs)
answer, answers, answered, answering
Silent Letters
The silent 's' in 'answer', 'listen', 'castle'.
Countable vs. Uncountable Nouns
'Answer' (noun) is countable: an answer, two answers.
Phrasal Verbs
'Answer for' (to be responsible for).
Examples by Level
I answer the phone.
I / reply / the / phone.
Present simple tense for habits.
She can answer.
She / can / reply.
'Can' + base verb.
Answer the door!
Reply / the / door!
Imperative mood for a command.
My answer is yes.
My / reply / is / yes.
Using 'answer' as a noun.
He answered me.
He / replied / me.
Past simple tense.
Do you answer questions?
Do / you / reply / questions?
Forming a question in present simple.
The answer is easy.
The / reply / is / easy.
'Answer' as a noun.
Please answer.
Please / reply.
Polite request.
Can you answer my question?
Can / you / reply / my / question?
Modal verb 'can' for ability.
He answered the phone quickly.
He / replied / the / phone / quickly.
Past simple tense with adverb.
I didn't get an answer.
I / not / get / a / reply.
Negative past simple.
She always answers emails.
She / always / replies / emails.
Present simple for habits, adverb 'always'.
The answer to the riddle was difficult.
The / reply / to / the / riddle / was / difficult.
'Answer' as a noun, past tense.
Don't answer back to me!
Not / reply / back / to / me!
Imperative negative, idiom 'answer back'.
He answered the door.
He / replied / the / door.
Common collocation.
What is the answer?
What / is / the / reply?
Wh- question in present simple.
Please answer the following questions in complete sentences.
Please / reply / the / following / questions / in / complete / sentences.
Formal instruction, common collocation.
She answered his question thoughtfully.
She / replied / his / question / thoughtfully.
Past simple with adverb of manner.
I'm still waiting for an answer from the company.
I / am / still / waiting / for / a / reply / from / the / company.
Present continuous for ongoing action.
He refused to answer any questions about his personal life.
He / refused / to / reply / any / questions / about / his / personal / life.
Infinitive after 'refused to'.
The answer to the problem isn't obvious.
The / solution / to / the / problem / isn't / obvious.
'Answer' as a noun, meaning solution.
If you answer back, you'll be punished.
If / you / reply / rudely, / you / will / be / punished.
Conditional sentence, idiom 'answer back'.
She answered the phone on the third ring.
She / replied / the / phone / on / the / third / ring.
Specific detail in a past event.
Could you answer me this one thing?
Could / you / reply / me / this / one / thing?
Polite request using 'could'.
In answer to your query, the report will be available next week.
In / response / to / your / inquiry, / the / report / will / be / available / next / week.
Formal opening phrase.
He was unable to answer why the project had been delayed.
He / was / unable / to / provide / explanation / why / the / project / had / been / delayed.
Infinitive after 'unable to', past perfect passive.
Her silence seemed to answer all my unspoken questions.
Her / silence / seemed / to / provide / response / all / my / unspoken / questions.
Figurative use, linking silence to answers.
The authorities refused to answer questions about the investigation.
The / authorities / refused / to / provide / responses / questions / about / the / investigation.
Formal refusal, common collocation.
We are still searching for the definitive answer to this complex problem.
We / are / still / searching / for / the / final / solution / to / this / complex / problem.
'Answer' as a noun, meaning definitive solution.
He answered back with a sharp retort, surprising everyone.
He / replied / defiantly / with / a / sharp / comeback, / surprising / everyone.
Idiom 'answer back', past tense.
She answered the door to find a delivery driver.
She / opened / the / door / to / find / a / delivery / driver.
Common collocation, narrative past tense.
The candidate's answers were evasive and lacked substance.
The / candidate's / responses / were / evasive / and / lacked / substance.
'Answers' as a plural noun.
In answer to your concerns, we have implemented new safety protocols.
In / response / to / your / worries, / we / have / put / in / place / new / safety / procedures.
Formal phrase, present perfect for recent actions.
His impassive expression offered no answer to their pleas.
His / unemotional / face / gave / no / indication / of / response / to / their / desperate / requests.
Figurative use of 'answer', abstract noun.
The unexpected success was an answer to their prayers.
The / surprising / success / was / a / fulfillment / of / their / most / hoped-for / wishes.
Idiomatic expression, metaphor.
She refused to answer for her actions, blaming external factors.
She / refused / to / take / responsibility / for / her / deeds, / attributing / them / to / outside / influences.
Phrasal verb 'answer for', meaning take responsibility.
The jury's verdict was the only answer they sought.
The / jury's / decision / was / the / sole / resolution / they / were / looking / for.
'Answer' as a noun, implying a definitive conclusion.
He answered the call of duty with unwavering resolve.
He / responded / to / the / obligation / to / serve / with / firm / determination.
Figurative use, 'call of duty'.
The subtle shift in his tone was an answer in itself.
The / slight / change / in / his / manner / of / speaking / conveyed / meaning / without / words.
Implied meaning, non-verbal answer.
They are seeking answers to the persistent questions about the company's future.
They / are / looking / for / solutions / to / the / ongoing / doubts / about / the / firm's / prospects.
Plural noun 'answers', abstract concept.
The diplomat's carefully worded statement provided no direct answer to the inflammatory question.
The / diplomat's / precisely / phrased / declaration / offered / no / explicit / reply / to / the / provocative / inquiry.
Sophisticated vocabulary, nuanced meaning.
Her stoic silence was, in its own way, a profound answer to his accusations.
Her / unmoving / quietness / was, / in / its / own / manner, / a / deep / response / to / his / allegations.
Figurative, abstract noun, literary tone.
The discovery of the ancient text provided the missing answer to a centuries-old historical debate.
The / finding / of / the / old / manuscript / offered / the / needed / resolution / to / a / debate / lasting / hundreds / of / years.
Noun 'answer' signifying a crucial piece of evidence.
He felt compelled to answer the dictates of his conscience, regardless of the consequences.
He / felt / forced / to / obey / the / commands / of / his / inner / moral / sense, / irrespective / of / the / outcomes.
Figurative use, 'dictates of conscience'.
The complex geopolitical situation offered no easy answer.
The / intricate / global / political / circumstances / presented / no / simple / solution.
Abstract noun, emphasizing complexity.
She answered the summons to appear in court with a mixture of dread and determination.
She / responded / to / the / official / order / to / be / present / in / court / with / a / blend / of / fear / and / resolve.
Formal context, 'answer a summons'.
His final novel was seen as an answer to the criticisms leveled against his earlier works.
His / last / book / was / perceived / as / a / response / to / the / critiques / directed / at / his / previous / writings.
Literary context, 'answer' as a creative response.
The unexpected windfall was precisely the answer to their financial prayers.
The / unforeseen / stroke / of / good / fortune / was / exactly / the / fulfillment / of / their / hoped-for / monetary / relief.
Idiomatic, emphasizing extreme relief and fulfillment.
Colocações comuns
Idioms & Expressions
"answer the call of nature"
To need to use the toilet.
I'll be right back, just need to answer the call of nature.
casual/euphemistic"answer back"
To reply rudely or defiantly, especially to someone older or in authority.
You shouldn't answer back to your teacher like that.
casual"an answer to one's prayers"
Something that is desperately needed or wanted and finally received.
This job offer is an answer to my prayers!
neutral/slightly informal"no answer"
When someone doesn't reply to a question, call, or message; or when there is no solution to a problem.
I left a message, but I got no answer.
neutral"answer for"
To be responsible for something, especially something bad; to face consequences.
The politician had to answer for the scandal.
neutral/formal"the answer is blowing in the wind"
The solution or truth is obvious or readily available but not yet recognized or accepted.
We debated for hours, but perhaps the answer is blowing in the wind.
literary/poeticEasily Confused
Both mean to give a response to communication.
'Reply' is often used for written communication or a more formal spoken response. 'Answer' is more general and common for spoken replies to questions.
She sent a quick reply to the email. / He didn't answer my phone call.
Also means to give a reaction or answer.
'Respond' can be broader, including non-verbal reactions or more formal acknowledgments. 'Answer' usually implies a direct reply to a question or communication.
The crowd responded with applause. / Please answer the questions on the form.
They are directly related actions in communication.
'Question' is the act of asking for information, while 'answer' is the act of providing it.
He asked a question, and I gave the answer.
The inverse action of answering.
'Ask' is to pose a question; 'answer' is to provide the information requested by the question.
Don't just ask, please answer!
Sentence Patterns
Subject + answer + object
She answered the phone.
Subject + answer + question
He answered the question correctly.
Subject + answer + for + object
You will have to answer for your mistakes.
Subject + answer + to + noun/name
The dog answers to the name 'Buddy'.
In answer + to + noun
In answer to your inquiry, we will send the details.
Família de palavras
Nouns
Verbs
Relacionado
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Erros comuns
The 's' is silent, a common feature in English words like 'listen' and 'castle'.
'Answer' often implies a direct response to a question or problem.
Context usually makes it clear, but be mindful of sentence structure.
'Answer' typically implies a direct reply to communication.
A normal reply is not 'answering back'.
Tips
Silent 'S' Trick
Remember 'answer' is like 'Ant-swer'. Imagine an ant saying 'swer' (like 'sir') back to you. The 's' is silent!
When to Use 'Answer' vs. 'Respond'
Use 'answer' for direct replies to questions or communications. Use 'respond' for broader reactions, including non-verbal ones or more formal acknowledgments.
Cultural Value of Answering
In many English-speaking cultures, being responsive and providing answers is seen as polite and efficient. Ignoring communication can be perceived negatively.
Verb vs. Noun Clarity
Context is key! 'He will answer.' (verb) vs. 'He gave an answer.' (noun). Pay attention to sentence structure.
Listen and Repeat
Find audio clips of 'answer' online and repeat them. Focus on the silent 's' and the stress on the first syllable.
Avoid the 'S' Sound!
Consciously practice saying 'an-swer' without the /s/ sound. It's a common mistake, but easy to correct with practice.
Silent Letters
The silent 's' in 'answer' is a great example of how English spelling doesn't always match pronunciation. Other words like 'listen' and 'castle' also have silent 's's!
Contextual Learning
Instead of just memorizing the word, learn it in phrases like 'answer the phone', 'answer a question', 'answer the door'. This builds practical usage.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'AN' as 'and' (like 'and then I said...') and 'SWER' like 'swear' (like you 'swear' you'll give an answer). So, 'And then I swear I'll give you an answer!'
Visual Association
Imagine a person on a phone ('answering the phone') looking very serious, about to give a crucial answer.
Word Web
Desafio
Try to answer five questions about your day using the word 'answer' at least twice.
Origem da palavra
Old English
Original meaning: 'andswaru' - a statement back, reply, oath.
Contexto cultural
While 'answer' itself is neutral, the *content* of an answer can be sensitive. Phrases like 'answer the call of nature' are euphemisms to avoid direct, potentially embarrassing language.
In English-speaking cultures, prompt and clear answers are generally valued in communication, whether formal or informal. Refusing to answer can sometimes be seen as evasive or impolite, depending on the context.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At School/University
- Answer the teacher's question.
- Answer all the questions on the test.
- The professor is looking for answers.
In Daily Life
- Answer the phone.
- Answer the door.
- I need an answer from you.
Business/Work
- Answer customer inquiries.
- Provide an answer by Friday.
- We await your answer.
Problem Solving
- Find the answer to the puzzle.
- The answer isn't simple.
- What's the answer?
Conversation Starters
"What's the best answer you've ever given?"
"If you could ask the universe one question, what would be the answer you'd hope for?"
"Have you ever had to 'answer back' to someone?"
"What's the most interesting answer you've heard recently?"
"Do you prefer giving answers or asking questions?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you had to give a difficult answer.
Write about a question you've been seeking an answer to for a long time.
Reflect on a situation where silence was the best answer.
Imagine you could answer any question about your future – what would you ask and what answer would you want?
Perguntas frequentes
8 perguntasNo, 'answer' can also be a noun. As a verb, it means 'to reply'. As a noun, it means 'the reply itself' or 'a solution'. For example: 'He gave a quick answer.' (noun)
The 's' is silent. It's pronounced like 'AN-ser' (or 'AHN-ser' in some accents). Make sure to stress the first syllable.
'Reply' is often used for written communication or a more formal spoken response, while 'answer' is very common for both spoken and written responses to questions. They are often interchangeable.
Yes! You can 'answer the phone', 'answer the door', 'answer a call', or even metaphorically, 'answer the call of duty'.
It means to reply rudely or defiantly, especially to someone in authority, like a parent or teacher.
The main difference is often the vowel sound in the first syllable ('AN' vs 'AHN') and the pronunciation of the 'r' at the end, but both have a silent 's'.
The noun form is also 'answer' (meaning the reply or solution) and its plural is 'answers'.
Yes, some common ones include 'answer the call of nature', 'an answer to one's prayers', and 'the answer is blowing in the wind'.
Teste-se
Please ______ my question.
We use 'answer' when responding to a question.
What does it mean to 'answer the door'?
'Answer the door' means to open it when someone knocks or rings.
The word 'answer' is pronounced with a silent 's'.
The 's' in 'answer' is silent, so it sounds like 'an-swer'.
Word
Significado
These are common phrases using the word 'answer'.
The correct sentence is 'You can answer this question if you try.'
He refused to ______ for his actions during the crisis.
'Answer for' means to take responsibility for something.
Which phrase means 'to need to use the toilet'?
'Answer the call of nature' is a common euphemism.
The phrase 'an answer to one's prayers' means something bad happened.
It means something very good and much-needed finally happened.
Her stoic silence was, in its own way, a profound ______ to his accusations.
In this context, 'answer' is used figuratively as a noun meaning a resolution or response conveyed non-verbally.
The complex situation offered no easy ______.
This highlights 'answer' used as a noun for a solution to a complex problem.
Pontuação: /10
Summary
Mastering 'answer' involves understanding its core meaning of reply, its common collocations, and its tricky silent 's' pronunciation.
- Verb meaning to reply to a question or statement.
- Also used for answering the phone/door.
- Pronounced 'AN-ser' with a silent 's'.
- Has noun form 'answer' (the reply/solution) and related idioms.
Silent 'S' Trick
Remember 'answer' is like 'Ant-swer'. Imagine an ant saying 'swer' (like 'sir') back to you. The 's' is silent!
When to Use 'Answer' vs. 'Respond'
Use 'answer' for direct replies to questions or communications. Use 'respond' for broader reactions, including non-verbal ones or more formal acknowledgments.
Cultural Value of Answering
In many English-speaking cultures, being responsive and providing answers is seen as polite and efficient. Ignoring communication can be perceived negatively.
Verb vs. Noun Clarity
Context is key! 'He will answer.' (verb) vs. 'He gave an answer.' (noun). Pay attention to sentence structure.
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