answerer

An answerer is a person or entity that provides an answer to a question, problem, or inquiry. The term is used across domains such as education, law, journalism, and online question-and-answer communities. In everyday use, an answerer responds to a query; in formal settings, the designation can reference a party who replies to a pleading, petition, or formal inquiry.

Etymology and form: the word is formed from the verb answer with the agent-noun suffix -er, meaning one who performs the action. The standard plural is answerers. Related terms include answer, response, and reply, while the verb form remains answer.

Usage and contexts: in educational and discussion contexts, an answerer provides a solution or explanation to a question. In legal contexts, the answerer is the party who files an answer to a complaint or motion, sometimes termed a respondent. On online Q&A platforms, the person who posts a correct or helpful answer is commonly identified as the answerer, though sites may prefer phrases like “author of the answer.”

Variants and related terms: synonymous or closely related terms include respondent, responder, and replier. The noun is primarily used to describe the agent of a response, while more general terms like “answer” or “reply” describe the content rather than the person.

See also: respondent, responder, replier, answer, reply, response.