l _answer_ is a return of words to something that seems to call
for them, and is made to a charge as well as to a question; an _answer_
may be even made to an unspoken implication or manifestation; see _Luke_
v, 22. In a wider sense, anything said or done in return for some word,
action, or suggestion of another may be called an _answer_. The blow of
an enraged man, the whinny of a horse, the howling of the wind, the
movement of a bolt in a lock, an echo, etc., may each be an _answer_ to
some word or movement. A _reply_ is an unfolding, and ordinarily
implies thought and intelligence. A _rejoinder_ is strictly an _answer_
to a _reply_, tho often used in the general sense of _answer_, but
always with the implication of something more or less controversial or
opposed, tho lacking the conclusiveness implied in _answer_; an
_answer_, in the full sense, to a charge, an argument, or an objection
is adequate, and finally refutes and disposes of it; a _reply_ or
_rejoinder_ may be quite inadequate, so that one may say, "This _reply_
is not an _answer_;" "I am ready with an _answer_" means far more than
"I am ready with a _reply_." A _response_ is accordant or harmonious,
designed or adapted to carry on the thought of the words that called it
forth, as the _responses_ in a liturgical service, or to meet the wish
of him who seeks it; as, the appeal for aid met a prompt and hearty
_response_. _Repartee_ is a prompt, witty, and commonly good-natured
_answer_ to some argument or attack; a _retort_ may also be witty, but
is severe and may be even savage in its intensity.

Prepositions:

An answer _in_ writing, or _by_ word of mouth, _to_ the question.

* * * * *

ANTICIPATE.

Synonyms:

apprehend, forecast, hope,
expect, foretaste, look forward to.

To _anticipate_ may be either to take before in fact or to take before
in thought; in the former sense it is allied with _prevent_; in the
latter, with the synonyms above given. This is coming to be the
prevalent and favorite use. We _expect_ that which we have good reason
to believe will happen; as, a boy _expects_ to grow to manhood. We
_hope_ for that which we much desire and somewhat _expect_. We
_apprehend_ what we both _expect_ and fear. _Anticipate_ is commonly
used now, like _foretaste_, of that which we _expect_ both with
confidence and pleasure. In this use it is a stronger word than _hope_,
where often "the wish is father to