Answerings

Answerings is a plural noun that refers to acts of answering or to the set of responses given in a particular context. In contemporary English the form is uncommon and tends to appear mainly in historical, literary, or formal prose. More frequently, writers use “answers” or “responses” to convey the same idea.

The word originates from the verb answer, with the -ing suffix used to form nouns and participles. While answerings can function as a plural in the sense of multiple instances of replying, modern usage tends to favor simpler terms. In practice, answerings may be found in older narratives, legal records, religious texts, or poetic passages that aim for an archaic or elevated tone.

Usage notes and context are important for understanding its role. Answerings often carry a formal or ceremonial connotation and can sound dated in everyday speech. When a writer intends immediacy or plain clarity, it is typically replaced by “answers” or “responses.” In poetry or historical fiction, answerings may be used to evoke a historic or stylized voice.

Examples include: “The answerings of the jurors were recorded in the minutes.” “Her answerings to the questions showed careful deliberation.” Related terms include answers, responses, replies, and the gerund form answering. In reference to devices, “answering” also appears in compounds such as the answering machine, though that usage is separate from the plural noun discussed here.