respond; reply; relay a message
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesverb
to respond; to answer; to make conversation
Often used in the context of trying to get someone to talk or respond, especially when they are being uncommunicative.
I asked several times, but he just wouldn't answer.
She's in a bad mood and doesn't want to talk to anyone.
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At the meeting, he took the initiative to strike up a conversation with the new colleague.
I tried to engage him in conversation to learn more about the situation.
verb
to take/pass a message; to relay a verbal message
dialectA dialectal usage, common in Northern China. It implies passing along a short, informal message from one person to another.
If you see him, pass on a message for me and say I'll go see him tomorrow.
Could you please take a message to Granny Wang next door and tell her to come get her things this afternoon?
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I asked someone to pass a message to him, but he didn't get it.