Definition, synonyms and related words
simple past tense and past participle of answer
"She answered the doorbell immediately when she heard it ring."
In plain English: When someone answers, they give a reply to a question or request.
"The phone rang and I answered it immediately."
Usage: Use answered to describe a reply given to a question or request in the past. It can also mean responding to a call, such as answering the phone when it rings.
Answered is the past tense of answer, which comes from Old English andswarian meaning to speak back or reply. The root combines and- (against) and sweor-, related to speaking or swearing an oath.