What does reply vs reply all mean Meaning and Definition
What does reply vs reply all mean
Pronunciation
/riːplaɪ/ vs /riːplaɪ ˌæl/
Part of Speech
Noun phrase
Definition
A reply refers to a response to a specific message or email, often in a thread or conversation. A reply all refers to sending the response to everyone who was originally cc’d (carbon copied) on the message, including recipients who were not the original sender or recipient.
Etymology
The term “reply” comes from the Old English word “ræplian”, meaning “to respond”. The phrase “reply all” is a modern innovation in email etiquette and technology.
Usage Notes
When responding to a message, use “reply” if you are only addressing the original sender. Use “reply all” if you want to include all the recipients who were cc’d on the original message. Consider who you are sending your response to before selecting “reply all”.
Cultural References
The concept of “reply all” has been featured in numerous TV shows and movies, often as a source of comedic relief or frustration.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Reply back
- CC me or reply all
- Don’t reply all
Related Words or Phrases
- CC (carbon copy)
- BCC (blind carbon copy)
- Email etiquette
Collocations
- Reply vs reply all
- Hit reply
- Keep reply all to a minimum
Frequency of Use
The phrase “reply vs reply all” is widely used in modern digital communication, particularly in professional and business contexts.
Common Misspellings
Replye vs reply