Answer Back

Pronunciation: /ˈænsər bæk/

Definitions of answer back

verb To respond defiantly or rudely to someone in authority or to answer in a cheeky or impertinent manner.

Example Sentences

A1 She never answers back when her parents scold her.

A2 The student was reprimanded for answering back to the teacher.

B1 It's important to teach children not to answer back to authority figures.

B2 The employee was fired for constantly answering back to their supervisor.

C1 The politician was known for his quick wit and ability to answer back to his critics.

C2 The lawyer was skilled at answering back during cross-examination in court.

Examples of answer back in a Sentence

formal It is considered impolite to answer back to your elders.

informal Don't answer back to your boss, just listen and follow instructions.

slang She always has to answer back with some snarky comment.

figurative The roaring waves seemed to answer back to the howling wind.

Grammatical Forms of answer back

• past tense: answered back
• plural: answer back
• comparative: more answer back
• superlative: most answer back
• present tense: answers back
• future tense: will answer back
• perfect tense: have answered back
• continuous tense: is answering back
• singular: answers back
• positive degree: answer back
• infinitive: to answer back
• gerund: answering back
• participle: answered back

Origin and Evolution of answer back

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The phrase 'answer back' originated from Middle English, where 'answer' meant to respond or reply, and 'back' was used as an intensifier.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the phrase 'answer back' has evolved to mean to reply impertinently or defiantly, especially to a superior.