Words / A2

ri-PLEYE/rɪˈplaɪ/

To reply is to say or write something as an answer: reply to an email, reply that…, wait for a reply. Answer is the everyday twin; reply is common with letters, messages, and emails — you reply to someone or something. Reply is also a noun: a quick reply. Do not say “reply the email” — say reply to the email.

Meaning

To say or write something as an answer.

Examples

• “She replied to my email the same day.”
• “Has she replied to your message yet?”
• “I sent a short reply this morning.”

Good to know

reply to + person / message. Noun: a reply. Close: answer. Not “reply the letter.”

Near in meaning

answer

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