A spoken or written reply that solves a question or responds to a request.
Julia raised her hand and gave the correct answer to the math problem.
I’m still waiting for an answer to the email I sent yesterday.
✦ Old English “andswaru” meaning a reply or retaliation, formed from “andswarian” (“to answer”) combining “and-” (against) + “swarian” (to swear).
To say or write something in reply to a question, letter, or comment.
Please answer the teacher when she calls your name.
He couldn't answer because his mouth was full of cake.
✦ From Old English “andswarian” meaning to make a reply.
To pick up and respond to a ringing telephone or a knock on the door.
Could you answer the phone while I stir the soup?
She rushed downstairs to answer the doorbell.
✦ Extension of the basic sense of replying, applied to devices like telephones and doorbells.
To match, satisfy, or be suitable for a requirement or description.
The suspect did not answer the description given by witnesses.
This key doesn't answer the lock anymore.
✦ Developed from the idea of a reply that meets or satisfies something, extended to suitability.
