reply

"Reply" is a straightforward and very common word in English. It works as both a verb and a noun, and you will use it constantly — in conversations, emails, messages, and more. It has just a couple of closely related meanings, so it is easy to master.

1verbto respond

When someone says something to you or sends you a message, and you say or write something back, you are replying. Think of it as the action of sending your answer back to someone.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

She sent me an email yesterday, but I haven't replied yet.

He replied to my question with a big smile and a nod.

Please reply to this message as soon as possible.

2nouna response

A reply is the actual message, answer, or words that someone sends back to you. If you ask a question and someone answers, that answer is their reply. It is the 'thing' that comes back to you.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

I'm still waiting for a reply to my job application.

His reply was short: just two words — 'No thanks.'

She gave a thoughtful reply to the interviewer's question.

3verbfigurativeto react in words (figurative)

Sometimes 'reply' is used in a slightly more dramatic or formal way — when someone reacts to a situation or criticism by saying something. It is not just answering a question, but responding to something that happened.

journalism, formal writing · Modern, common in written English · figurative

When the crowd booed, the player replied by scoring two more goals.

The company replied to the criticism by releasing a public statement.