answer
UK[ˈɑːnsə(r)]US[ˈænsər]
v
to speak or write in response to a question or request
v
to be responsible or accountable to someone
n
something spoken or written in response to a question
n
a solution to a problem
Etymology
The word 'answer' has a direct lineage from Old English 'andswaru', meaning a sworn statement uttered in return. This Old English term itself is a compound, built from the prefix 'and-' (related to 'anti-', meaning 'against' or 'in return') and 'swaru' (meaning 'a swearing', from the verb 'swerian', to swear). The core logic connects the act of replying with the solemnity of making a sworn oath or affirmation in response to an accusation or question. Over centuries, the phonetic form simplified from 'andswaru' to 'answer', and its meaning broadened from a formal, sworn rebuttal to encompass any spoken, written, or enacted response, while retaining the fundamental sense of a return directed against or in relation to an initial stimulus.
Analysis
The word is a simplex form. It originates from the Old English 'andswaru', a compound of 'and-' (against, in return) and '-swaru' (a swearing, affirmation). The functional role is that of a complete lexical unit.
Examples
Please answer the question when you are called.
As the team leader, you will answer directly to the director.
The answer to the third math problem is forty-two.