reply // verb, noun

■ verb [+ obj or no obj] (replies, replying, replied, replied)

to say or write sth as an answer to sth that has been said or written to you:

I texted him about the meeting but he hasn't replied yet.

Over a thousand people replied to the initial job advertisement.

The director replied that he was not in a position to comment.

■ noun [C,U] (plural replies)

something said, written, or done as an answer to sth:

All letters of complaint should receive a prompt reply.

The next morning I had a reply to my email.

When questioned about the incident, the spokesperson made no reply.

❖ get/have/receive a reply

◆ give/make a reply

IDIOMS

in reply to

used to start a formal letter which is an answer to a letter that you have received:

In reply to your letter of 16 March, I regret to inform you that there are currently no vacancies within our company.

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