Category:Reply

Re*ply" (r-pl"), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Replied (-pld"); p. pr. & vb. n. Replying.] Etym: [oe. replien, of. replier, f. répliquer, fr. L. Replicare to fold back, make a reply; pref. re- re- + plicare to Fold. See ply, and cf. Replica.]

1. To make a return in words or writing; to respond; to answer. O man, who art thou that repliest against god rom. ix. 20.

2. (law)

Defn: to answer a defendant's plea.

3. Figuratively, to do something in return for something done; as, to Reply to a signal; to reply to the fire of a battery.

Syn. -- to answer; respond; rejoin.

Reply Re*ply", v. t.

Defn: to return for an answer. Milton. Lords, vouchsafe to give me hearing what i shall reply. Shak.

Reply Re*ply", n.; pl. Replies (-pl. Etym: [see reply, v. i., and cf. Replica.]

Defn: that which is said, written, or done in answer to what is said, Written, or done by another; an answer; a response.

Syn. -- answer; rejoinder; response. -- reply, rejoinder, answer. A reply is a distinct response to a Formal question or attack in speech or writing. A rejoinder is a Second reply (a reply to a reply) in a protracted discussion or Controversy. The word answer is used in two senses, namely (1), in The most general sense of a mere response; as, the answer to a Question; or (2), in the sense of a decisive and satisfactory Confutation of an adversary's argument, as when we speak of a Triumphant answer to the speech or accusations of an opponent. Here The noun corresponds to a frequent use of the verb, as when we say. "this will answer (i.e., fully meet) the end in view;" "it answers The purpose."