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reply
/ɹɪˈplaɪ/
When used as a verb, "reply" is often followed by the preposition "to" when specifying who or what you are answering (e.g., "reply to an email"). As a noun, it refers to the actual response itself. It is a countable noun, meaning you can have "a reply" or "many replies." While similar to "answer," "reply" often feels slightly more formal, especially in written business correspondence.
💬Casual Conversation
🎬Tuesday afternoon, Chloe is procrastinating in the university library while Karen is at a PTA meeting.
Karen Smith
Did you see my text about the family dinner? I need a reply ASAP.
Chloe Smith
I'm literally drowning in finals, mom. Give me a sec.
💡
Karen uses 'ASAP' (as soon as possible) to show her characteristic urgency and controlling nature. Chloe responds with the hyperbolic idiom 'drowning in', meaning she is completely overwhelmed by her studies.