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Reply is defined as to speak or write a response to something.

(verb)

An example of to reply is to RSVP to a wedding.

The definition of a reply is a written or verbal response to something.

(noun)

An example of a reply is an answer to a question.

See reply in Webster's New World College Dictionary

intransitive verb replied, replying

to answer, or respond, in speech or writing
to respond by some action: to reply to the enemy's fire with a barrage
to echo
Law to answer a defendant's plea

Origin: ME replyen < OFr replier < L replicare, to fold back, make a reply < re-, back + plicare, to fold: see ply

transitive verb

to say in answer: she replied that she disapproved

noun pl. replies

an answer, or response, in speech or writing
a response by some action
Law the plaintiff's answer to the defendant's plea; specif., the answer to a counterclaim

Related Forms:

replier noun

See reply in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb re·plied, re·ply·ing, re·plies

verb, intransitive

To give an answer in speech or writing.
To respond by an action or gesture.
To echo.
To return gunfire or an attack: The big guns replied.
Law To respond to a defendant's plea.

verb, transitive

To say or give as an answer: I replied that I was unable to help them. See Synonyms at answer.

noun pl. re·plies

A response in speech or writing.
A response by an action or gesture.
Law A plaintiff's formal response in answer to that of a defendant.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English replien

Origin: , from Old French replier

Origin: , from Latin replicāre, to fold back; see replicate

Related Forms:

re·pliˈer noun

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