Complementation and Reply

noun

• The grammatical relation of a word or phrase to a predicate.
• Linguistics) a distribution of related speech sounds or forms in such a way that they only appear in different contexts. (.
  • synonyms: complementary distribution

noun

• A statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation.
  • usage: "I waited several days for his answer"; "he wrote replies to several of his critics"
  • synonyms: answer, response
• The speech act of continuing a conversational exchange.
  • usage: "he growled his reply"
  • synonyms: response

verb

• React verbally.
  • usage: "She didn't want to answer"; "answer the question"; "We answered that we would accept the invitation"
  • synonyms: answer, respond

• (v.i.) To answer a defendant's plea.
• (v.i.) That which is said, written or done in answer to what is said, written or done by another; an answer; a response.
• (v.i.) Figuratively, to do something in return for something done; as, to reply to a signal; to reply to the fire of a battery.
• (v.t.) To return for an answer.
• (v.i.) To make a return in words or writing; to respond; to answer.