What is answer? Pronunciation and usage in English

answer means . Learn how to pronounce and use answer through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of answer

answernoun/verb

/ˈɑːnsə/
Definition & pronunciation of answer

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "answer" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈænsər/ (This is the IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet representation)

Let's break that down:

  1. ˈ (Stress Mark): This tells you that the first syllable is emphasized.

  2. æ (a-sound): This is the "short a" sound, like in the word "cat" or "trap." Think of it as a slightly open vowel sound.

  3. ns (nasal sounds): These are two nasal sounds.

    • n: Say "n" as you normally would.
    • s: Say "s" as you normally would. The key is that the air comes out through your nose slightly as you say these letters. It’s a subtle sound!

  4. ər (schwa sound): This is the "uh" sound, a very relaxed vowel. It's the most common vowel sound in English and often reduces to a schwa when unstressed. Think of the "a" in "about."

Here's a breakdown of how it sounds, putting it together:

“AHN-sur” (The "AHN" part is the stressed first syllable)

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't say "an-SWER." That’s a common mistake! The "er" is a very short, unstressed sound.
  • Focus on that nasal "n" and "s." This is what really differentiates the pronunciation.
  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it. You can find examples on:
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/answer/ (This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce words from different countries)
    • Google Search: Search for “how to pronounce ‘answer’” on YouTube.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples of words with similar sounds?
  • Record an example of how to pronounce it (if possible)?

Usage and examples with the word answer in English

Let's break down how to use the word "answer" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and grammatical roles. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. As a Noun (the thing that responds):

  • A direct reply: This is the most common usage.

    • "I need the answer to this math problem."
    • "Please give me your answer."
    • "She provided a clear answer to my question."

  • A response to a question:

    • "What's your answer to that?"
    • "The poll received thousands of answers."

  • A solution to a problem:

    • “The answer to the crisis is to increase spending."
    • “He found the answer to the riddle.”

  • A systematic response (often in a formal setting):

    • “The committee’s answer to the proposed legislation was negative.” (meaning they rejected it)

2. As a Verb (to respond to a question):

  • To reply to a question:

    • "Can you answer the phone?"
    • "He didn’t answer my email."
    • "She answered the question correctly."

  • To provide a solution to a problem:

    • "I can answer your question about the project timeline."
    • "The mechanic will answer our questions about the car.”

3. Phrases using "Answer":

  • Give an answer: (Formal) - "The judge gave his answer to the court."
  • Answer back: (To respond, often in a defiant way) - “He answered back at the teacher.”
  • Answer to a question: "This is the answer to the question about the weather."
  • Answer key: (For tests or quizzes) - “The answer key is at the back of the book.”
  • Answer sheet: (Similar to answer key) - “Please turn in your answer sheet.”

4. Grammar Points to Consider:

  • Subject-Verb Agreement: When "answer" is a verb, it agrees with the subject.

    • "He answers the phone." (He is singular)
    • "They answer the questions." (They is plural)

  • "Answer" as a linking verb: It can sometimes connect a subject to a description (less common, but possible). For example: "The answer was clear." (Meaning the response was clear).

Here's a table summarizing the uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun A reply to a question or problem “What's the answer?”
Verb To respond to a question or problem “Please answer the door.”
Phrase Related expressions "Give an answer," "Answer back"

To help me tailor my explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • What specifically are you struggling with when it comes to using "answer"? (e.g., are you unsure of when to use it as a noun vs. a verb? Do you want examples in a specific context?)

Synonyms for the word answer

Idioms of the word answer

have/know all the answers
(informal, often disapproving)to be confident that you know something, especially when you actually do not
  • He thinks he knows all the answers.
not take no for an answer
to refuse to accept that somebody does not want something, will not do something, etc.
  • You're coming and I won't take no for an answer!

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