answered
v. · adj.-
1 replied to a person (v.) A1 Beginnersaid or wrote something back to someone who asked a question.
provided a verbal or written response to a query or statement. Transitive when followed by the person or the question.
ExampleI answered all the questions on the test before the time finished.
ExampleThe witness answered the prosecutor's questions with remarkable composure, never once deviating from her original statement.
UsageTakes a direct object without a preposition.
PitfallShe answered to my email.She answered my email.Do not use 'to' after 'answered' when you are responding to a thing like an email, a letter, or a question.
-
2 reacted to a signal (v.) A1 Beginnerpicked up a phone or opened a door when you heard a sound.
responded to a mechanical or electronic signal, such as a telephone ring or a knock at a door.
ExampleNobody answered the door even though the lights were on inside.
ExampleHe answered the phone on the first ring, sounding breathless as if he had been waiting for the call all afternoon.
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
-
3 having a solution (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediate Formaldescribes a question or problem that now has a solution.
referring to a query or problem for which a response or solution has been provided.
ExampleWith the mystery finally answered, the family could finally feel at peace.
ExampleThe report left several critical points addressed, yet the most pressing concerns of the shareholders remained only partially answered.