What does reply mean?
Reply is a common English word used as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it names a response to a question, message, or statement: a person may write or send a reply, or receive one later. As a verb, it describes the act of responding, as in “Please reply when you have finished.” The word is appropriate in everyday conversations as well as formal correspondence, business emails, interviews, and official communications, although it can sometimes suggest a considered or somewhat formal response. Reply often implies returning to an earlier message or question, while answer can suggest addressing a question directly. In digital communication, phrases such as “reply to this email” and “send me a reply” are established. The word also has a long history, deriving from Old French and Latin roots associated with answering or unfolding a response.
A written or spoken response to a question, message, or statement.
"The company sent a formal reply to the customer’s complaint."
Often used for a response sent after an earlier message, question, or request.
To answer or respond to a question, message, or statement.
"They replied to the invitation the following day."
The direct object is commonly introduced by “to”: “reply to an email.”
The plural form changes the final y to i and adds es: “reply” becomes “replies.”
"Several replies arrived before the deadline."
A reply can be the message you send back, or the simple act of answering: one word, noun and verb in a single breath.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reply come from?
The English word reply entered through Old French replier, meaning “to answer” or “respond.” It developed from Latin forms based on replicare, a verb associated with answering back and unfolding or repeating an action. The prefix re- and the Latin root placere or plicare help explain the word’s historical connection with English forms such as replica, replicate, and replication. Modern usage preserves both the noun meaning “a response” and the verb meaning “to answer.”
Related word forms
How reply is actually used
In modern English, reply is used in both formal and informal contexts. It can sound somewhat more formal or more deliberate than answer when used as a noun, although it is also common in everyday conversation.
Easily confused with reply
A reply is a response to a message or question, whereas a replay is a recording or performance shown or played again.