Answer Meaning

UK /ˈɑːnsə/
US /ˈænsər/
Word Definition
answer meaning

Answer Definition & Usage

noun

A response to a question, inquiry, or problem.

Examples

  • "I gave a detailed answer to the teacher's question."
  • "The answer to the puzzle was more complex than expected."
  • "Can you provide an answer to the survey?"
  • "She knew the answer immediately."
  • "The answer lies in the details of the report."
noun

A solution to a problem or issue.

Examples

  • "Finding the answer to climate change is one of the most important challenges."
  • "The answer to the economic crisis requires collaboration from all sectors."
  • "He found a clever answer to the problem."
  • "In this case, the answer is a new policy proposal."
  • "The answer to the issue of poverty lies in education and employment."
verb

To respond to a question, request, or problem.

Examples

  • "She answered the phone before it rang twice."
  • "He answered all the questions in the exam correctly."
  • "I will answer your email as soon as I can."
  • "The doctor answered the patient's concerns with confidence."
  • "They answered the door and invited us in."
verb

To provide a solution or resolution to an issue.

Examples

  • "The committee answered the public's concerns about the new policy."
  • "He answered the complex issue with a straightforward solution."
  • "The government has yet to answer the growing concerns about climate change."
  • "How do we answer the increasing demand for affordable housing?"
  • "She answered his question with a clear and concise explanation."

Cultural Context

The word 'answer' has a long history, deriving from Latin 'responder' meaning 'to respond'. It has been used in English for centuries in both everyday and formal contexts, reflecting its broad utility in various types of discourse, including social interactions, education, law, and business.

The Answer at the Crossroads

Story

The Answer at the Crossroads

At a busy intersection in the heart of the city, Emily stood staring at the road signs, unsure of which way to go. She had lived in the city for years, but this particular part had always been confusing. With every decision she made, the right answer seemed elusive. A local passerby, noticing her hesitation, approached and asked if she needed help. After a brief conversation, Emily learned that the right path was just around the corner, a route she had never considered before. As she walked down the newly discovered street, Emily thought about how often she had struggled to find answers in life. Whether it was work, relationships, or her personal ambitions, the answers had always felt just out of reach. But perhaps, she mused, sometimes the answer wasn’t about knowing the right solution immediately. Sometimes, it was about asking the right questions and being open to guidance. As she reached the next corner, Emily smiled, realizing that the answer to her dilemmas might lie in something as simple as asking for help and being willing to explore new perspectives. The passerby had not only given her directions but had also reminded her that answers often come in unexpected forms. Later that evening, Emily thought about the answers she had found throughout her life. Some answers had come quickly, others had taken years to find. But what truly mattered, she decided, was the journey toward discovering the answers that shaped her future.

The Answer at the Crossroads