'Reply' is Latin for 'fold back' — from 'plicare' (to fold). Responding as folding an argument back on itself.
Definition
To say or write something in response to a question, statement, or communication.
The Full Story
Latin14th centurywell-attested
From Old French 'replier' (to foldback, to turn back, to respond), from Latin 'replicare' (to fold back, to unfold, to repeat), composed of 're-' (back, again) and 'plicare' (to fold). 'Plicare' descends from PIE *plek- (to plait, to fold), which produced an extensive Latin family: 'plica' (a fold), 'complex' (folded together), 'supplicate' (to fold down, to kneel in submission), 'implicate' (to fold in, to entangle), 'explicate' (to unfold, to explain), and 'duplicate' (to fold double). The English word arrived in the 14th century via Old French, carrying
Did you know?
A 'replica' and a 'reply' are the same word — both from Latin 'replicāre' (to foldback). A replica 'folds back' to the original, reproducing it; a reply 'folds back' to the question, answering it. The Italian musical term 'replica' (meaning a repeat performance) preserves the connection most visibly.