reply
UK: rɪˈplaɪ | US: rɪˈplaɪ
v. to respond verbally or in writing
n. a response to a question, letter, or situation
reply = re<back> + ply<fold>
- re: A Latin prefix meaning "back" or "again," indicating a return action.
- ply: Derived from Latin plicare ("to fold"), implying a bending or turning back in response.
Etymology Origin:
The word "reply" originates from Old French replier ("to fold back, respond"), which itself comes from Latin replicare ("to repeat, fold back"). The core idea is of "folding back" a message or action, evolving into the modern sense of responding. The morpheme ply retains its connection to folding, metaphorically representing the act of returning communication.
She didn’t reply to my email for three days.
His reply was brief but polite.
The company must reply to the customer’s complaint within 24 hours.
I asked him a question, but he just shrugged in reply.
The lawyer prepared a detailed reply to the court’s inquiry.