reply1 verbreply2 noun
replyre‧ply1 /rɪˈplaɪ/ ●●● W2 verb (past tense and past participle replied, present participle replying, third person singular replies) 
WORD ORIGINreply1
Origin:
1300-1400 Old French replier ‘to fold again’, from Latin replicare, from plicare ‘to fold’VERB TABLE
reply
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | reply |
| he, she, it | replies | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | replied |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have replied |
| he, she, it | has replied | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had replied |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will reply |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have replied |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am replying |
| he, she, it | is replying | |
| you, we, they | are replying | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was replying |
| you, we, they | were replying | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been replying |
| he, she, it | has been replying | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been replying |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be replying |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been replying |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "I'm so sorry," he replied.
- "Of course," Nathalie replied.
- Becky hasn't replied to our invitation, so I assume she isn't coming.
- I waited for Smith to reply, but he said nothing.
- I wrote to Franca three weeks ago but she hasn't replied yet.
- The jailers refused to reply to the prisoners' questions about where they were being taken.
- We asked Jane to help, but she replied that she was too busy.
- I replied at once to say that I should be in London shortly and suggested a meeting on Thursday, 14 May.
- I apologise for the delay in replying to you.
- I wonder whether the others would have replied had I suddenly become famous!
- No, not in 20 years, he replied.
- Oliver tried to reply, but he was too weak to speak.
- One-eyed Odin replied that in his own experience the giants were a tough lot.
- Thanks to all the readers who replied, and thanks for the nice things that you very often said.
THESAURUS
to say something to someone when they have asked you a question or spoken to you: · You don’t have to answer the question if you don’t want to.· I said hello to her, but she didn’t answer.
to answer someone – used especially in written English to report what someone said: · ‘I’m so sorry,’ he replied.· We asked Jane to help, but she replied that she was too busy.
formal to answer someone: · How do you respond to the allegation that you deliberately deceived your employers?
to answer someone by telling them what you have decided or giving them a piece of information they asked for: · He asked me to marry him, but I didn’t give him an answer straight away.
to answer someone at a later time especially by telephoning them, usually because you need to think about their question or find out more information: · She’s promised to get back to me as soon as she hears any more news from the hospital.
written to answer someone angrily, especially because they have annoyed you or criticized you: · ‘You’re not afraid?’ Brenda asked. ‘Of course not,’ he retorted angrily.
Longman Language Activatorto answer a letter, invitation, e-mail etc to write a letter to someone who has written to you, or to someone who has put an advertisement in a newspaper: · I wrote to Franca three weeks ago but she hasn't replied yet.reply to: · Becky hasn't replied to our invitation, so I assume she isn't coming.
if you answer a letter or advertisement, you write a letter to the person who has written it: · I got the job by answering an advertisement in the paper.· Miss Millar hired a secretary to answer her mail while she was on vacation.· Think carefully before answering that memo.
to write a letter to someone who has written a letter to you: · Sara wrote asking if she could help, so I wrote back and said yes.write back to: · Josh, have you written back to Grandma yet?write somebody back American: · She didn't really expect him to write her back.
formal to write a letter telling someone that you have received a letter, parcel etc that they have sent you: · I have just sent off a letter acknowledging their message.acknowledge receipt of something (=officially acknowledge that you have received something): · Please acknowledge receipt of this document by signing and returning the enclosed form.
written please answer this invitation - used at the end of formal invitations when asking someone to say if they can definitely come to a wedding, formal dinner etc: · Dr Fischer requests your company at a dinner to celebrate his retirement at the Dorchester Hotel on November 30th at 10 pm. RSVP.
if you say or do something in response to what someone has written, you say or do it as a way of answering their question, request, advertisement etc: · She said she'd come to the office in response to an ad she'd seen in the paper.· In answer to recent criticism the President has issued a statement explaining his policies.
to answer when someone asks you a question or speaks to you to say something to someone when they have asked you a question or spoken to you: · Julie thought for a long time before answering.· I said hello to her, but she didn't answer.· "Why don't you just leave?" "I'd like to," she answered, "but I have nowhere else to go."· How much did you spend? Come on, answer me!answer a question: · You don't have to answer the question if you don't want to.answer that: · When questioned about the robbery, Hughes answered that he knew nothing about it.
to answer someone when they have asked you a question or spoken to you - used especially in written English to report what someone said: · I waited for Smith to reply, but he said nothing.· "I'm so sorry," he replied.reply to: · The jailers refused to reply to the prisoners' questions about where they were being taken.reply that: · We asked Jane to help, but she replied that she was too busy.
to answer someone, especially someone who has criticized you or disagreed with you, in a clear and detailed way: · The waitress waited a moment and then responded.· "I'd be there if I could," Bill responded.respond to: · How do you respond to the allegation that you deliberately deceived your employers?· The meeting will give administrators a chance to respond to the community's questions and concerns.respond by saying/telling/asking etc: · His father usually responds by telling him to be quiet.
to answer someone by telling them what you have decided or by providing them with the particular piece of information that they have asked for: · They're offering us a new contract and we have to give them a definite answer by the end of the month.· He didn't give me a very satisfactory answer
if you say or do something in reply to what someone has said, you say or do it as a way of answering their question, request, remark etc: · "Where are we going?" Jill asked. The driver only lifted his hand in reply, as if to silence her.· "That won't be necessary," Wilson said in reply to the question.· In response to your question, no, I don't think a meeting is necessary.
to answer someone at a later time especially by telephoning them, usually because you need to think about their question or find out more information before you can give an answer: · She's promised to get back to me as soon as she hears any more news from the hospital.· Tell you what, let me talk it over with the guys and I'll get back to you.
written to answer someone angrily, especially because they have annoyed you or criticized you: · "You're not afraid?" Brenda asked. "Of course not," he retorted angrily.retort that: · Republicans retorted that the amendment is necessary to balance the budget.
to say no to a question, request or suggestion · I asked him to come along to the restaurant with us, but he said no.· She's not likely to say no if you tell her the real reason you need the money.· I'm really busy at the moment, so I'm afraid I'll have to say no.
written to say no when you are asked something: · When asked to confirm whether all the missing soldiers were accounted for, the Lieutenant answered in the negative.· Workers were asked if they had reached their weekly targets, and if they replied in the negative, they were fired.
when someone asks you a question spoken · "Have you lived here long?" "Yes, about 10 years."· "Did you watch 'Trial and Retribution' last night?" "Yes, wasn't it good?"· If you're asking me whether I think we should do it, the answer is yes.yes, please (=say this to politely accept something that someone offers you) · "Would you like some wine?" "Yes, please."
spoken informal · "Are you ready, Chrissie?" "Yeah, yeah, I'm just coming."· "Was it £2000 that your car cost?" "Yeah, that's right."· "Do you think you may have to retire from athletics soon?'' "Well, yeah, I suppose so.''
spoken informal especially American · "Do you have the time, please?'' "Sure, it's three o'clock.''· "We're going to the beach this afternoon - want to come?'' "Sure, that 'd be great.''
spoken say this when you want to agree strongly with something, or to make it clear that you are definitely going to do something: · "I think Mark would make a good team captain, don't you?" "Definitely!"· "Are you going to Sonya's party?" "Definitely! It should be really fun."
spoken say this when you are surprised or annoyed that someone has asked you something, or to make your answer strong: · "Do you know when my birthday is?'' "Of course, it's next Wednesday.''of course I am/she is/you can etc: · "Are you feeling nervous?" "Of course I am, it's a very important speech."
spoken say this when you think the person asking the question is hoping for a different answer: · "You're not going out, are you?'' "I'm afraid so. But I won't be long."· "School doesn't start again next week, does it?" "Yes, I'm afraid so, Charlie."
formal written to say yes - use this when someone says yes in a formal or public situation, for example in a law court: · When asked if he recognized the defendant, the witness replied in the affirmative.· Are men more mechanical than women? 67% of all men responding to our poll answered in the affirmative.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
‘Well, what can I do for you?’ he asked coldly. He gave a negative answer without any explanation. The majority of people, when asked whether or not they are creative, will reply in the negative. Travis seemed absolutely stumped for words. Please send a cheque with written confirmation of your booking.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN
‘Well, what can I do for you?’ he asked coldly.· She did not bother replying to his email.
· I never answered his letter.
He gave a negative answer without any explanation. The majority of people, when asked whether or not they are creative, will reply in the negative. (also the right to reply) (=the right to say or write something in answer to a criticism)· People should have the right of reply when a magazine has published letters criticizing them.
Travis seemed absolutely stumped for words. Please send a cheque with written confirmation of your booking.· You won't be able to reply to this letter, as when you receive it I shall be on the water.· To my surprise he had replied to my letter and invited me to call on him at his Cambridge college.· Do not reply a letter to Lewis until I contact you because I could not be here.· If anyone replied to my letter concerning Rangers and Leeds, please write again.· Instead, he chose to reply to Goma's letter in his own direct way.· But shops showed no interest and the big soap companies didn't even reply to her letters.· Will reply to all letters received-Please include photos if possible.· Wallace did not reply to our letters and telephone calls.
· Once again, the veteran didn't reply but the insistent question disturbed him.· We can therefore now attempt to reply to the question posed earlier: from pictographs to what?· Will he reply to the question?· Forman replied to this with questions of his own.· He didn't know how to reply to the open-ended question.· In replying to this question, the respondents were not directed in any way to select political characteristics.· It is interesting that he replied to her question in reverse!
VERB· Mr. MacGregor I have been asked to reply.· Mr. Newland specifically asks me to reply.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► tart reply/remark etc
1[intransitive, transitive] to answer someone by saying or writing something: - Are men more mechanical than women? 67% of all men responding to our poll answered in the affirmative.
- When asked if he recognized the defendant, the witness replied in the affirmative.
- No doubt Harry's family would also have replied in the affirmative, indicating that they really did not know what happiness was.
- That question was answered in the affirmative.
- We can answer in the affirmative provided the weights are all positive.
I asked Clive where he was going, but he didn’t reply. Sorry it took me so long to reply. ‘Did you see Simon today?’ ‘Of course,’ Nathalie replied with a smile.reply to Has Ian replied to your letter yet?reply that Mills replied that he was staying at his parents’ flat.► see thesaurus at answerRegisterReply is used especially in written English. In everyday English, people usually say answer: You haven’t replied to my question. ➔ You haven’t answered my question.2[intransitive] to react to an action by doing something elsereply (to something) with something The rebel troops replied to government threats with increased violence.reply1 verbreply2 noun
replyreply2 ●●● S3 W3 noun (plural replies) [countable] EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "I'm just borrowing your black dress, OK?" said Maxine, without waiting for a reply.
- Dr Kleinert murmured a reply, but I couldn't hear what it was.
- I wrote to them three weeks ago and I haven't had a reply back yet.
- It is usual to send a formal reply to a wedding invitation.
- Railway officials say it isn't their fault - which is their standard reply to customers' complaints.
- We advertised for a secretary in the local paper and got 24 replies.
- Books were published in reply and arguments advanced in favour of young women.
- He gave no reply, just stood there, his back to them, his head tilted backwards and upwards.
- Her reply was an almost audible sigh of relief.
- Illingworth frowned but made no reply.
- Their replies were quite consistent: it meant being responsible and accountable, having power, and being in control.
- There is the possibility of no reply from overseas.
- There was no reply, but I assumed it was being taken care of.
- Without waiting for my reply she picks up the paper, tosses it on to the floor, and sits down.
THESAURUS
something you say when someone asks you a question or speaks to you: · I asked if he wanted to come, but I didn’t get an answer.· If you’re asking me for money, the answer’s no!
an answer – used especially in written English to report what someone said: · She asked how he felt, and received the reply, ‘Awful!’· ‘Finished now?’ ‘No,' came the reply.
an answer that clearly shows your reaction to a question, suggestion etc: · Wagner’s responses showed that he had thought carefully about the issues.· ‘Sure. Why not?’ was his response to most of Billie’s suggestions.
written an angry answer given when someone has annoyed you or criticized you: · Isabelle began an angry retort and then stopped herself.
a quick answer that is clever, funny, or rude: · He walked out before I could think of a snappy comeback.
formal a quick and clever answer: · Anna produced the perfect riposte.
formal a quick answer, especially a clever or rude one: · If he confronts them, he’ll run the risk of a sharp rejoinder.
Longman Language Activatorsomething you write as an answer a written answer to a letter, invitation, or advertisement: · We advertised for a secretary in the local paper and got 24 replies.· I wrote to them three weeks ago and I haven't had a reply back yet.reply to: · It is usual to send a formal reply to a wedding invitation.
a letter that you write back to someone who has asked you for something: · We've written to the bank requesting a loan, and we're expecting an answer in this morning's mail.answer to: · Did you ever get an answer to your last letter?
a formal letter or note stating that a letter, parcel etc has been received: · I received an acknowledgement from Toshiba yesterday telling me that they were considering my application for the job.letter of acknowledgement: · He's still waiting for a letter of acknowledgement of the last cheque he sent them.
an answer that clearly shows your reaction to a question, suggestion etc: · I mailed the letter on Monday and had a response already on Friday.response to: · Write your responses to the questions on the back of the sheet.
something you say as an answer something you say when someone asks you a question or speaks to you: · Each time I ask him when the work will be done, I get a different answer.· I've asked Yvonne to come on vacation with us, but I'm still waiting for her answer.the answer is no/yes: · If you're asking me for money, the answer's no!answer to a question: · The answer to your question is very simple: you failed the exam because you didn't do any work.the answer is (that): · Why don't people complain? The answer is that they are frightened of losing their jobs.
something you say when someone asks you a question or speaks to you - use this especially in written English to report what someone has said: · Dr Kleinert murmured a reply, but I couldn't hear what it was.· "I'm just borrowing your black dress, OK?" said Maxine, without waiting for a reply.reply to: · Railway officials say it isn't their fault - which is their standard reply to customers' complaints.
an answer that clearly shows your reaction to a question, suggestion etc: · Wagner's responses showed that he had thought carefully about the issues.response to: · "Sure. Why not?" was his response to most of Billie's suggestions.
written an angry or cleverly humorous answer, especially to someone who has made you angry: · Ellie's angry retort surprised Max.· She could never think of a clever retort to counter Ben's string of jokes and witticisms.
to answer when someone asks you a question or speaks to you to say something to someone when they have asked you a question or spoken to you: · Julie thought for a long time before answering.· I said hello to her, but she didn't answer.· "Why don't you just leave?" "I'd like to," she answered, "but I have nowhere else to go."· How much did you spend? Come on, answer me!answer a question: · You don't have to answer the question if you don't want to.answer that: · When questioned about the robbery, Hughes answered that he knew nothing about it.
to answer someone when they have asked you a question or spoken to you - used especially in written English to report what someone said: · I waited for Smith to reply, but he said nothing.· "I'm so sorry," he replied.reply to: · The jailers refused to reply to the prisoners' questions about where they were being taken.reply that: · We asked Jane to help, but she replied that she was too busy.
to answer someone, especially someone who has criticized you or disagreed with you, in a clear and detailed way: · The waitress waited a moment and then responded.· "I'd be there if I could," Bill responded.respond to: · How do you respond to the allegation that you deliberately deceived your employers?· The meeting will give administrators a chance to respond to the community's questions and concerns.respond by saying/telling/asking etc: · His father usually responds by telling him to be quiet.
to answer someone by telling them what you have decided or by providing them with the particular piece of information that they have asked for: · They're offering us a new contract and we have to give them a definite answer by the end of the month.· He didn't give me a very satisfactory answer
if you say or do something in reply to what someone has said, you say or do it as a way of answering their question, request, remark etc: · "Where are we going?" Jill asked. The driver only lifted his hand in reply, as if to silence her.· "That won't be necessary," Wilson said in reply to the question.· In response to your question, no, I don't think a meeting is necessary.
to answer someone at a later time especially by telephoning them, usually because you need to think about their question or find out more information before you can give an answer: · She's promised to get back to me as soon as she hears any more news from the hospital.· Tell you what, let me talk it over with the guys and I'll get back to you.
written to answer someone angrily, especially because they have annoyed you or criticized you: · "You're not afraid?" Brenda asked. "Of course not," he retorted angrily.retort that: · Republicans retorted that the amendment is necessary to balance the budget.
to answer a letter, invitation, e-mail etc to write a letter to someone who has written to you, or to someone who has put an advertisement in a newspaper: · I wrote to Franca three weeks ago but she hasn't replied yet.reply to: · Becky hasn't replied to our invitation, so I assume she isn't coming.
if you answer a letter or advertisement, you write a letter to the person who has written it: · I got the job by answering an advertisement in the paper.· Miss Millar hired a secretary to answer her mail while she was on vacation.· Think carefully before answering that memo.
to write a letter to someone who has written a letter to you: · Sara wrote asking if she could help, so I wrote back and said yes.write back to: · Josh, have you written back to Grandma yet?write somebody back American: · She didn't really expect him to write her back.
formal to write a letter telling someone that you have received a letter, parcel etc that they have sent you: · I have just sent off a letter acknowledging their message.acknowledge receipt of something (=officially acknowledge that you have received something): · Please acknowledge receipt of this document by signing and returning the enclosed form.
written please answer this invitation - used at the end of formal invitations when asking someone to say if they can definitely come to a wedding, formal dinner etc: · Dr Fischer requests your company at a dinner to celebrate his retirement at the Dorchester Hotel on November 30th at 10 pm. RSVP.
if you say or do something in response to what someone has written, you say or do it as a way of answering their question, request, advertisement etc: · She said she'd come to the office in response to an ad she'd seen in the paper.· In answer to recent criticism the President has issued a statement explaining his policies.
to not answer someone · "What are you doing here?" The child's mouth trembled a little, but he did not answer.not answer somebody/something · I'm afraid I can't answer that question.· I knew there was something wrong when she didn't answer me.
: there is no answer/reply/response · I called Stevie's name but there was no answer.get no answer/reply/response · He's written three letters to the mayor, but he's gotten no response.
to deliberately remain silent when someone asks you a question or talks to you: · I greeted Minna, but she made no reply.· Alan tried to start a conversation, but when Lockwood made no response, he gave up.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Stephen made no reply.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES ‘Well, what can I do for you?’ he asked coldly. He gave a negative answer without any explanation. The majority of people, when asked whether or not they are creative, will reply in the negative. Travis seemed absolutely stumped for words. Please send a cheque with written confirmation of your booking.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
Stephen made no reply. ‘Well, what can I do for you?’ he asked coldly.· She did not bother replying to his email.
· I never answered his letter.
He gave a negative answer without any explanation. The majority of people, when asked whether or not they are creative, will reply in the negative. (also the right to reply) (=the right to say or write something in answer to a criticism)· People should have the right of reply when a magazine has published letters criticizing them.
Travis seemed absolutely stumped for words. Please send a cheque with written confirmation of your booking.· The Minister also told me in a written reply about the education and social opportunities that were available to young offenders.· You will receive a written reply from the officer once your complaint has been looked into.
VERB· Eileen was amazed that he expected a reply.· She had not expected a prompt reply to her request; teachers were so hard to get up-country.· Mr. Colvin I expected a reply somewhat like that.· You tell me, he demanded, neither expecting a reply nor getting one.· However, I do expect a reply and an assurance of an immediate change in attitude.· She had expected an equally sarcastic reply.
· Did he write to all the dukes and get a reply from them all?· I tried calling you in Budapest on Friday and Saturday but couldn't get a reply.· That evening I telephoned his home and could get no reply.· We couldn't get a straight reply - she'd only answer in sign language.· Massingham knocked gently, then, getting no reply, pushed it open.· You will not always get a reply but you may be surprised at how often you do.· In addition, he had called at the Fleming house where he had got no reply to his bell-ringing.· This service deals with 100's of queries a month and each one gets a personal reply.
· He gave no reply, just stood there, his back to them, his head tilted backwards and upwards.· When they gave their replies there was a powerful feeling in the room.· I am afraid, however, that I am going to have to give you a disappointing reply.· For thirty years I've been trying to give an affirmative reply to that question.· He was being given the right of reply, it was pointed out, at which point he put the phone down.· He gave no reply but hadn't believed her.· After a hasty consultation, Patrick Ollier, who was down to ask the next question, gave a bland reply.· Mr Perot has never yet chosen to give a straight reply to that point.
· Benjamin whispered to her and I heard her hissed reply, followed by silence.· My father overheard and, without consulting me or waiting to hear my reply, forbade him the house.
· He alleged that when he asked Scott about the planning, he received only an off-hand reply.· Finally, I offered to become an air hostess to pay my way, and this time, received an immediate reply.· Often they had, and if so might expect to receive a polite reply.· I received no reply to either letter.· When they tried to question him they received unintelligible replies and realised he was drunk.· Every week she wrote to Liza, letters to which she received brief erratic replies.· Every idea will be acknowledged and receive a reply.· The chairman has written to the Director of Planning re the proposed development at Hermiston but has received no reply.
· Under this threat, Churchill sent a long reply on 28 November, explaining why Britain could not accept Berle's proposals.· He has sent a reply so no one will even be searching for her.· We will then send you a reply paid label with a reference number.· We received an encouraging 50% response to the questionnaire, with 63 of the 129 initial pilot centres sending us their replies.· She must write that letter in time for him to send back a reply.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► without replyPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► tart reply/remark etc
1something that is said, written, or done as a way of replying SYN answer: - I am writing in reply to your letter dated May 12.
- The renewed violence was in reply to continued government pressure on the rebels.
- Alderley Edge side Icicals scored 186-6 when they visited Burnage, the home side managed 163-9 in reply.
- As it happens there was a Koo in reply.
- But Bakker in reply says cartilage is in fact better for absorbing shocks and for building up hydrostatic pressure.
- He had expressed a similar thought to a neurologist friend of his once, to receive an alarmed look in reply.
- He makes no record of his own sentiments at this point; nor of what he said in reply.
- However, it would be unrealistic to do so in replying to the debate.
- I grinned in reply, pretending I liked the exercise.
- Red-faced, the judge stormed off the bench and slammed the door to his chambers in reply.
- Are men more mechanical than women? 67% of all men responding to our poll answered in the affirmative.
- When asked if he recognized the defendant, the witness replied in the affirmative.
- No doubt Harry's family would also have replied in the affirmative, indicating that they really did not know what happiness was.
- That question was answered in the affirmative.
- We can answer in the affirmative provided the weights are all positive.
I tried calling, but there was no reply.reply to We still haven’t received a reply to our letter. Stephen made no reply.RegisterReply is used especially in written English. In everyday English, people usually say answer:· I tried calling but there was no answer.2in reply (to something) formal as a way of replying to something: I am writing in reply to your letter of 1st June.3without reply British English if a sports team gets a number of points or goals without reply, their opponents do not score