Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms

Difference Between

Home / Language / Words / Difference Between Answer and Reply

Difference Between Answer and Reply

May 10, 2011 Posted by Olivia

Answer vs Reply

There are some words in English language that have almost similar meaning which is why they are used interchangeably. However, there are subtle differences in the usage of these words as they are used in different contexts. Answer and reply are two such words that confuse many as both fit in when someone poses a question and the other person has to answer/reply. This article, by citing examples will make it clear as to how to use these two words in different contexts.

The teacher asked, “What is the answer of 2+2”?

Roy answered, “4”.

Roy replied, “4”.

It is clear that both answer and reply can be used in formal situations where a question has been asked.

If a person A asks another person B the way to the railway station and B says that he is sorry as he does not know, B’s response is actually a reply and not an answer. This is because A is not getting a solution or an answer to his query; he is merely getting a response or a reply. Thus answer has a broader meaning, it could mean a solution to a problem which a reply may or may not be.

You can answer a question, but you can reply to a statement that does not beg an answer. An answer arises out of a question whereas a reply does not need to.

Have you ever wondered why you answer to a telephone call and not reply, and answer to nature’s call instead of replying to them? Well, it has more to do with the evolved traditions rather than any grammatical rule.

A reply is generally a reaction, a response to something in speech or in writing. A machine for example cannot give you a reply; it can only give you a response. An answer seems to be a solution to a question or a problem.

In brief:

Answer vs Reply

• Reply and answer are both synonymous though both are used in different contexts

• An answer is a reaction to a question in writing or speech that proposes a solution

• A reply can be in response to a question or it can merely be a response to a statement.

Related posts:

Difference Between Problem and IssueDifference Between Problem and Issue Difference Between Problem and Symptom Necessary vs SufficientDifference Between Necessary and Sufficient Difference Between Loose and LoseDifference Between Loose and Lose Difference Between Isolation and Rehabilitation

Filed Under: Words Tagged With: Answer, answer - question, reply, reply - statement, response, solution

About the Author: Olivia

Olivia is a Graduate in Electronic Engineering with HR, Training & Development background and has over 15 years of field experience.

Comments

  1. طراحی سایت says

    November 16, 2021 at 5:39 am

    very nice Article
    Please see our project on web .

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Request Article

Featured Posts

Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms

Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms

Difference Between Coronavirus and SARS

Difference Between Coronavirus and SARS

Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza

Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza

Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19

Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19

You May Like

Difference Between Power Series and Taylor Series

Difference Between Power Series and Taylor Series

Difference Between Embedded and External Memory Devices

Difference Between Herd and Ring Immunity

Difference Between Herd and Ring Immunity

Difference Between Isopropyl and Rubbing Alcohol

Difference Between Isopropyl and Rubbing Alcohol

Difference Between Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack

Latest Posts

  • What is the Difference Between Wine Glass and Champagne Glass
  • What is the Difference Between Bioburden and Microbial Limit Test
  • What is the Difference Between Ascites and Ovarian Cyst
  • What is the Difference Between Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma
  • What is the Difference Between Overactive Bladder and Urge Incontinence
  • What is the Difference Between Body Fat and Visceral Fat
  • Home
  • Vacancies
  • About
  • Request Article
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2010-2018 Difference Between. All rights reserved. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy: Legal.