1. a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation; - Example: "I waited several days for his answer" - Example: "he wrote replies to several of his critics" [syn: answer, reply, response]
2. a statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem; - Example: "they were trying to find a peaceful solution" - Example: "the answers were in the back of the book" - Example: "he computed the result to four decimal places" [syn: solution, answer, result, resolution, solvent]
3. the speech act of replying to a question;
4. the principal pleading by the defendant in response to plaintiff's complaint; in criminal law it consists of the defendant's plea of `guilty'; or `not guilty'; (or nolo contendere); in civil law it must contain denials of all allegations in the plaintiff's complaint that the defendant hopes to controvert and it can contain affirmative defenses or counterclaims;
5. a nonverbal reaction; - Example: "his answer to any problem was to get drunk" - Example: "their answer was to sue me"
VERB (10)
1. react verbally; - Example: "She didn't want to answer" - Example: "answer the question" - Example: "We answered that we would accept the invitation" [syn: answer, reply, respond]
2. respond to a signal; - Example: "answer the door" - Example: "answer the telephone"
3. give the correct answer or solution to; - Example: "answer a question" - Example: "answer the riddle"
4. understand the meaning of; - Example: "The question concerning the meaning of life cannot be answered" [syn: answer, resolve]
5. give a defence or refutation of (a charge) or in (an argument); - Example: "The defendant answered to all the charges of the prosecution"
6. be liable or accountable; - Example: "She must answer for her actions"
7. be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity; - Example: "A few words would answer" - Example: "This car suits my purpose well" - Example: "Will $100 do?" - Example: "A 'B' grade doesn't suffice to get me into medical school"; - Example: "Nothing else will serve" [syn: suffice, do, answer, serve]
8. match or correspond; - Example: "The drawing of the suspect answers to the description the victim gave"
9. be satisfactory for; meet the requirements of or serve the purpose of; - Example: "This may answer her needs"
10. react to a stimulus or command; - Example: "The steering of my new car answers to the slightest touch"