reply
UK[rɪˈplaɪ]US[rɪˈplaɪ]
v
to say, write, or do something as an answer or reaction
n
something said, written, or done as an answer or reaction
Morpheme Breakdown
re
ply
re
again
ply
to fold
Etymology
The word "reply" originates from the Old French replier, meaning "to fold back, turn back, or answer". This itself is derived from the Latin replicare, a compound of re- ("back") and plicare ("to fold"). The literal sense of "folding back" evolved metaphorically to signify a verbal "turning back" towards an interlocutor, encapsulating the act of response. Over time, the meaning specialized to its current abstract sense of giving an answer, while the concrete sense of physical folding was retained in its doublet, "replicate".
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + ply (to fold)
- re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back".
- ply: From Latin plicare ("to fold"), via Old French plier ("to fold, bend"). In this context, it functions as a verb root meaning "to fold" or, by extension, "to turn" or "to apply".
Examples
I sent an email but haven't received a reply yet.
He didn't know how to reply to such a difficult question.
Her only reply was a slight, knowing smile.