English Reference
verb · noun

answering

v. · n.
US /ˈænsɝɪŋ/ UK /ˈɑːnsəɹɪŋ/ an·swer·ing

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    v.giving a response to a question or a person.

    v.the present participle of 'answer', indicating the ongoing action of responding to a query or statement.

    Simple

    She is answering the emails that arrived this morning.

    In context

    The witness spent several hours answering the prosecutor's questions with remarkable composure and detail.

  2. 02 A1 Beginner

    v.picking up a phone or opening a door when you hear a sound.

    v.the action of responding to a mechanical or electronic signal, such as a telephone ring or a doorbell.

    Simple

    I heard the phone ringing, but I was busy answering the front door.

    In context

    Answering the telephone during a formal dinner is generally considered a breach of social etiquette in many cultures.

    attending to
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    n.the act of giving a reply.

    n.the verbal noun denoting the act or process of providing a response.

    Simple

    His answering of the charges was quick and firm.

    In context

    The prompt answering of customer complaints is a critical component of maintaining a positive brand reputation.


From Middle English answerynge; equivalent to answer + -ing.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English answerynge
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Common
Updated