The phrase "without reply" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /wɪðˈaʊt rɪˈplaɪ/. The first syllable starts with the "w" sound, followed by a short "i" sound and the "th" sound, which is commonly mispronounced as a "t" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound and the "ou" sound, like in the word "out". The final syllable has the "r" and "ai" diphthong sounds, followed by the "ai" sound again. This phrase means that there was no response or answer given.
Without reply is a phrase used to describe a situation in which no response or answer is given or received. It refers to instances where there is a lack of communication or discussion between two or more parties, usually after an initial solicitation or inquiry has been made. The absence of a reply can imply various meanings depending on the context.
In interpersonal communications, if someone sends a message, makes a statement, or poses a question to another individual and receives no response, it can indicate disinterest, apathy, or a deliberate avoidance of engagement. The lack of reply may convey a sense of disregard or indifference on the part of the recipient.
In a professional setting, a business or organization might use "without reply" to indicate that a particular communication, such as an email or letter, does not require a response. This statement can also be used to signify that a previous message or request has been acknowledged, and no further action or reply is necessary.
Furthermore, "without reply" can be associated with sports or games, specifically in situations where one team or player scores or achieves a point or objective without any response or counteraction from their opponent. This implies an uncontested victory or achievement.
Overall, "without reply" conveys the idea of an absence of response, answer, or reaction, either intentionally or unintentionally, in various social, professional, and competitive contexts.
The phrase "without reply" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two words, "without" and "reply", both of which have their own origins.
1. "Without": This word originated from the Old English word "wiþūtan", which was a combination of the prefix "wiþ-" meaning "against" or "outside" and the adverb "ūtan" meaning "out". Over time, it evolved into the Middle English word "withouten" before finally becoming "without" in Modern English. The word "without" is commonly used to indicate the absence or lack of something.
2. "Reply": The word "reply" has a Latin origin, derived from the Latin word "replicare" meaning "to repeat" or "to respond".