Answer or Awnser
Which Spelling is Correct?
Confused between "answer" and "awnser"? Learn the correct spelling, meaning, and how to use it properly in your writing.
Incorrect: Awnser
"Awnser" is a misspelling. The correct spelling is "answer" with an "e" before the "r".
Correct: Answer
"Answer" is the correct spelling. It means a response to a question or a solution to a problem.
Definitions
Answer (noun/verb):
A response to a question; a solution to a problem; to respond to or reply to.
Examples:
- • What is the answer to this question?
- • Please answer the phone when it rings.
- • The answer to the math problem is 42.
Awnser (noun/verb):
"Awnser" is a misspelling of "answer" and is not a valid English word.
Examples:
- • "Awnser" is not used in standard English.
- • Always use answer when referring to responses.
Synonyms
Answer:
- • Response
- • Reply
- • Solution
- • Explanation
- • Retort
- • Rejoinder
- • Resolution
- • Result
Awnser:
- • (No valid synonyms; not a standard English word)
Notes:
- • Answer is spelled with an "e" before the "r", not "awnser."
- • The word comes from Old English "andswaru" meaning a reply or response.
- • Can be used as both a noun and a verb.
- • Commonly used in everyday conversation, education, and formal writing.
- • "Awnser" is never correct in any context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is "awnser" ever correct?
A: No, "awnser" is never correct. The proper spelling is always "answer" with an "e" before the "r."
Q: How do I remember the correct spelling?
A: Think of it as "an-swer" - the word "an" plus "swer" (from Old English for swear or declare).
Q: What's the difference between answer and reply?
A: "Answer" is more general and can refer to solutions, while "reply" specifically refers to responding to communication.
Q: Can answer be used in formal writing?
A: Yes, "answer" is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.
Q: Why do people often misspell this word?
A: The misspelling "awnser" likely occurs because of pronunciation or confusion about the "e" sound.
Q: What are some common phrases using "answer"?
A: Examples include: answer the question, answer the phone, answer for, and answer to.
Q: Is answer always about questions?
A: No, "answer" can refer to solutions to problems, responses to situations, or replies to communication.
Q: What's the opposite of answer?
A: The opposite of "answer" could be "question" (noun) or "ask" (verb).
Summary
Remember: Answer is the correct spelling with an "e" before the "r". It means a response to a question or a solution to a problem. The misspelling "awnser" is never correct. Use "answer" to describe responses, solutions, or replies in any context.