From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishreplyre‧ply1 /rɪˈplaɪ/ ●●● W2 verb (replied, replying, replies) 1 [intransitive, transitive]ANSWER/REPLY to answer someone by saying or writing something I asked Clive where he was going, but he didn’t reply. Sorry it took me so long to reply. ‘Did you see Simon today?’ ‘Of course, ’ Nathalie replied with a smile.reply to Has Ian replied to your letter yet?reply that Mills replied that he was staying at his parents’ flat.► see thesaurus at answerRegisterReply is used especially in written English. In everyday English, people usually say answer: You haven’t replied to my question. → You haven’t answered my question.2 [intransitive]REACT to react to an action by doing something elsereply (to something) with something The rebel troops replied to government threats with increased violence.→ See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
reply• "I'm so sorry, " he replied.• No, not in 20 years, he replied.• "Of course, " Nathalie replied.• Thanks to all the readers who replied, and thanks for the nice things that you very often said.• I replied at once to say that I should be in London shortly and suggested a meeting on Thursday, 14 May.• I waited for Smith to reply, but he said nothing.• Oliver tried to reply, but he was too weak to speak.• I wonder whether the others would have replied had I suddenly become famous!• One-eyed Odin replied that in his own experience the giants were a tough lot.• We asked Jane to help, but she replied that she was too busy.• Becky hasn't replied to our invitation, so I assume she isn't coming.• The jailers refused to reply to the prisoners' questions about where they were being taken.• I apologise for the delay in replying to you.• I wrote to Franca three weeks ago but she hasn't replied yet.reply to• We have still not received any replies to our letters.• Has anyone replied to your ad in the paper?reply (to something) with something• Norman Fowler made hurried notes to his speech in reply.• We will then send you a reply paid label with a reference number.• Rebel troops replied with increased violence.• Begin your reply positively with the word yes, and then go on to describe the most relevant experience you have. replyreply2 ●●● S3 W3 noun (plural replies) [countable] 1 ANSWER/REPLYREACTsomething that is said, written, or done as a way of replying SYN answer I tried calling, but there was no reply.reply to We still haven’t received a reply to our letter. Stephen made no reply.RegisterReply is used especially in written English. In everyday English, people usually say answer:I tried calling but there was no answer.2 → in reply (to something)3 → without replyExamples from the Corpus
reply• We advertised for a secretary in the local paper and got 24 replies.• "I'm just borrowing your black dress, OK?" said Maxine, without waiting for a reply.• I wrote to them three weeks ago and I haven't had a reply back yet.• Dr Kleinert murmured a reply, but I couldn't hear what it was.• It is usual to send a formal reply to a wedding invitation.• Her reply was an almost audible sigh of relief.• Books were published in reply and arguments advanced in favour of young women.• Without waiting for my reply she picks up the paper, tosses it on to the floor, and sits down.• He gave no reply, just stood there, his back to them, his head tilted backwards and upwards.• Illingworth frowned but made no reply.• There is the possibility of no reply from overseas.• There was no reply, but I assumed it was being taken care of.• Railway officials say it isn't their fault - which is their standard reply to customers' complaints.• Their replies were quite consistent: it meant being responsible and accountable, having power, and being in control.made no reply• Aitkins frowned but made no reply.• Illingworth frowned but made no reply.• The Combined Chiefs made no reply, and for Eisenhower, military considerations remained paramount.• Fiver made no reply and Hazel paused in perplexity.• He heard the words the Curator was saying but he made no reply.• Jonadab, however, made no reply.• The other rabbit made no reply, but his look was not that of an enemy.• I greeted Minna, but she made no reply.From Longman Business Dictionaryreplyre‧ply1 /rɪˈplaɪ/ verb (past tense and past participle replied) [intransitive, transitive] to answer someone, in writing or in speechreply thatAsked about the bank’s operations, the chairman replied that the record speaks for itself.reply to somebody/somethingOur aim is to reply to all letters within 10 working days.→ See Verb tablereplyreply2 noun (plural replies) [countable]1a written or spoken answerThe Exchange said it had received a satisfactory reply from the bank.We await your reply.2letter of reply a letter answering one that has been receivedI received the standard letter of reply in response to my complaints.3in reply to formal a way of starting a letter that answers one that has been receivedIn reply to your letter of 24 Jan, I am sorry to hear our product has not met our usual high standards.4reply paid envelope British English an envelope for which the cost of posting has already been paid POSTAGE PAID ENVELOPESYNbusiness reply envelope AmEUse the enclosed reply-paid envelope (no stamp needed).Origin reply1 (1300-1400) Old French replier “to fold again”, from Latin replicare, from plicare “to fold” 