Meaning & use
replied
Last updated
“replied” is a form of “reply”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitive or intransitive
Past tense and past participle of reply: gave an answer in speech or writing.
Grammar: Often with to: she replied to the email; or with a quote: he replied, Yes.
Patterns
- replied to someone
- replied that something
She replied to the invitation within a day.
He replied that he would be late.
The company has not replied to my letter.
verbintransitive
Responded with an action rather than words.
Grammar: Often with with: replied with a nod.
Patterns
- replied with something
The goalkeeper replied with a brilliant save.
The army replied with a counterattack.
She replied with a smile.
Word forms
| base form | reply |
|---|---|
| third person singular | replies |
| -ing form | replying |
Common combinations
- replied to an email
- He replied to the email at once.
- replied promptly
- The hotel replied promptly.
- replied calmly
- She replied calmly to the accusation.
- replied in writing
- The agency replied in writing.
- replied with
- He replied with a joke.
Synonyms and how they differ
- answered
- Answered is slightly more direct and can take an object: answered the question; replied needs to for messages.
- responded
- Responded is more formal and can describe a reaction or action.
- retorted
- Retorted suggests a sharp or angry comeback.
- wrote back
- Wrote back is plain and specific to writing.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: replied or replayed? replied or relied?
replied vs replayed
Replayed means played again, such as a recording, which is different from answering.
replied vs relied
Relied means trusted or depended on, and takes on, not to.
Practice
He ____ to my message within an hour.
Choose one answer.
Replied to a message means answered it. Relied needs on, replayed concerns recordings, and repeated does not fit with to.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “replied”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.