ANSWER FOR

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does answer for mean? 

• ANSWER FOR (verb)
  The verb ANSWER FOR has 1 sense:

1. furnish a justifying analysis or explanation

  Familiarity information: ANSWER FOR used as a verb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• ANSWER FOR (verb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Furnish a justifying analysis or explanation

Classified under:

Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing

Synonyms:

account; answer for

Context example:

I can't account for the missing money

Hypernyms (to "answer for" is one way to...):

declare (state emphatically and authoritatively)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

 Context examples 

I will answer for it, he never cared three straws about her—who could about such a nasty little freckled thing?

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

I thought them particularly pleasing, and I will answer for it, they would generally please.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

"I'll answer for the Professor. I don't quite see his drift, but I swear he's honest; and that's good enough for me."

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

I think I can answer for the young ladies making allowance for a bachelor's table.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

You will not speak to him on any pretext—and—Richard, it will be at the peril of your life if you speak to her: open your lips—agitate yourself—and I'll not answer for the consequences.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

I don't think they would touch Challenger, but I wouldn't answer for Summerlee.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

No answer for an instant, then Laurie asked sharply, "Who told you?" "Jo herself."

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

My dear, returned Mr. Micawber with sudden seriousness, I have no desire to answer for others.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

I think it admirable; and, as far as I can answer for myself, shall be most happy—It seems the only improvement that could be.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

She has at least an answer for everything.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)