numeric answer

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A reply that is a number, especially one given in a test or form where words are not accepted.

   Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a numeric answer' or 'numeric answers'.

   Patterns

   • give a numeric answer
   • write a numeric answer
   • enter a numeric answer

   For question 5, please give a numeric answer without any units.

   The online form only accepts a numeric answer, so do not type 'about twenty'.

   Most students wrote a numeric answer, but a few wrote full sentences.

2. 2nouncountabletechnical

   A result expressed as a number rather than as a description or category.

   Grammar: Often used in data and research contexts: 'a numeric answer to the question'.

   Patterns

   • a numeric answer to something
   • produce a numeric answer

   The survey asked for a numeric answer on a scale from 1 to 10.

   Researchers wanted a numeric answer, not a personal opinion.

Word forms

Common combinations

give a numeric answer

You must give a numeric answer in the box.

write a numeric answer

Write a numeric answer for each blank.

enter a numeric answer

Enter a numeric answer and press return.

accept a numeric answer

The system will only accept a numeric answer.

Synonyms and how they differ

number

Use 'number' for the figure itself; 'numeric answer' focuses on the whole response being a number.

figure

A figure is a written digit or amount; 'numeric answer' is the answer as a whole.

Opposites

Word family

numeric adjective

Relating to numbers.

numerical adjective

Another word for numeric, often used in formal writing.

answer noun

A reply to a question.

Commonly confused: numeric answer or numerical answer?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “numeric answer”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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