reply card: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to Neutral. Common in business, administrative, and marketing contexts; less frequent in casual conversation.
Quick answer
What does “reply card” mean?
A pre-addressed card, often included with promotional material or correspondence, intended to be filled out and returned as a response, typically for requesting information, placing an order, or confirming attendance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A pre-addressed card, often included with promotional material or correspondence, intended to be filled out and returned as a response, typically for requesting information, placing an order, or confirming attendance.
A tangible or digital response mechanism designed for low-effort return, facilitating direct response marketing, event management, or feedback collection. It systematizes the process of eliciting and capturing a specific action from a recipient.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. 'Reply card' is standard in both. In US marketing, 'business reply card' (BRC) is a highly specific postal term.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties, associated with efficiency and formal response channels.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English in contexts like 'Freepost reply card'. In US English, 'response card' is a common synonym, especially for event RSVPs.
Grammar
How to Use “reply card” in a Sentence
Please return the enclosed reply cardThe brochure contained a reply cardDetach and post the reply cardSend for details using the reply cardVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reply card” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to reply-card all prospective delegates.
- The campaign was reply-carded to a targeted list.
American English
- They reply-carded the entire subscriber base.
- The offer is only valid if you reply-card by the date shown.
adverb
British English
- [Extremely rare]
American English
- [Extremely rare]
adjective
British English
- The reply-card response rate was excellent.
- We use a reply-card system for renewals.
American English
- Include a reply-card envelope for easy return.
- The reply-card format boosted returns.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
A key tool in direct mail marketing for generating leads and measuring campaign response rates.
Academic
Rare. Might refer to a card for requesting reprints of journal articles from a library.
Everyday
Most commonly encountered with mail-order catalogues, charity appeals, or event invitations.
Technical
In postal services, refers to a card meeting specific size and layout regulations for automated sorting and return postage payment.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reply card”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reply card”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reply card”
- Using 'reply card' to refer to a digital online form (use 'reply form' or 'response form').
- Confusing 'reply card' with 'postcard' (a postcard is for general correspondence, not necessarily a structured response mechanism).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An RSVP card is a specific type of reply card used exclusively for event attendance confirmation. Not all reply cards are for RSVPs.
No, the term specifically denotes a physical card. For digital equivalents, use 'online reply form', 'e-response', or 'digital response card'.
A reply card is typically a sturdy, postcard-sized piece of cardstock. A reply slip is often a lighter piece of paper, sometimes part of a letter to be detached and returned in an envelope.
No. Many reply cards require a stamp. A 'Business Reply Card' or 'Freepost reply card' specifically indicates the sender has pre-paid the return postage.
A pre-addressed card, often included with promotional material or correspondence, intended to be filled out and returned as a response, typically for requesting information, placing an order, or confirming attendance.
Reply card is usually formal to neutral. common in business, administrative, and marketing contexts; less frequent in casual conversation. in register.
Reply card: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈplaɪ kɑːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈplaɪ kɑːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of REPLY as your answer, and CARD as the flat, postal-friendly medium it's written on. Together, they form the object you send back.
Conceptual Metaphor
A REPLY CARD is a TICKET for a service or information (e.g., a ticket to receive a brochure).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'business reply card' most precisely used?