# answering

/ˈænsɝɪŋ/ (US) · /ˈɑːnsəɹɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/answering
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. responding to someone

verb · CEFR A1

giving a response to a question or a person.

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

- She is answering the emails that arrived this morning.
- The witness spent several hours answering the prosecutor's questions with remarkable composure and detail.

### 2. reacting to a signal

verb · CEFR A1

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

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

- I heard the phone ringing, but I was busy answering the front door.
- Answering the telephone during a formal dinner is generally considered a breach of social etiquette in many cultures.

### 3. the act of response

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

the act of giving a reply.

For teachers: the verbal noun denoting the act or process of providing a response.

- His answering of the charges was quick and firm.
- The prompt answering of customer complaints is a critical component of maintaining a positive brand reputation.

## Examples

- She is answering the phone in the other room.
- The candidate spent the entire afternoon answering emails from concerned voters regarding the new tax policy.
- By answering the difficult questions with such poise, the spokesperson managed to de-escalate the tension before the press conference concluded.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.