Language Research

answer · noun

/ˈɑːnt.sər/Full view

answer (REACTION)

A1 C what you say or write back to someone who has asked you a question or spoken to you

Dictionary examples:

I asked him if he was going but I didn't hear his answer.

Please give me your answer by next week.

Learner example:

Please, give me [an] answer. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Polish)

answer (TEST)

A2 C information given as a reply to a question in a test, exercise, competition, etc.

Dictionary examples:

Did you get the answer to Question 6?

I got eight correct answers and two wrong ones in last week's exam.

Learner example:

We had to fill [in] our question[naire]s and discuss the answers in our class. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

answer (DOOR/TELEPHONE)

A2 usually no plural when someone answers the door or telephone

Dictionary example:

I've just rung him but there was no answer.

Learner example:

I called her, but there was no answer. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

answer (SOLUTION)

B1 C a way of solving a problem

Dictionary examples:

It's a difficult situation and I don't know what the answer is.

So what's the answer to the problem?

There's no easy answer to the problem.

Learner example:

Should wild animals be kept in cages, and denied their freedom so that we can have the pleasure of watching them [in] zoos? Well, there's no simple answer to that question. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

answer · verb

/ˈɑːnt.sər/

answer (REACT)

A1 I or T to speak or write back to someone who has asked you a question

Dictionary examples:

You haven't answered my question.

I wrote asking whether he'd be coming to the party but he hasn't answered yet.

She answered that she wouldn't be able to come before nine o'clock.

Learner example:

My teacher give[s] m[e] questions and I have to answer. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Pashto)

answer (TEST)

B1 T to write or say something as a reply to a question in a test, exercise, competition, etc.

Dictionary example:

I couldn't answer the last three questions.

Learner example:

That was to be my first interview, and I had never before answered a test of personality so I felt insecure. (First Certificate in English; B2; Catalan)

answer (DOOR/PHONE)

A2 I or T to open the door to someone or pick up the telephone

Dictionary examples:

Could someone answer the phone?

Someone's at the door - would you answer it, please?

Learner example:

I phone you, but you don't answer! (Key English Test; A2; Catalan)