Retort: meaning, definitions and examples

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retort

 

[ rɪˈtɔːt ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

in conversation

A sharp, angry, or witty reply, especially one that is made immediately after someone has said something that one disagrees with or finds irritating.

Synonyms

comeback, reply, response

Examples of usage

  • She couldn't think of a good retort.
  • His retorts were quick and biting.
Context #2 | Verb

in conversation

To reply in a sharp, angry, or witty manner.

Synonyms

answer, counter, respond

Examples of usage

  • She retorted that he was wrong.
  • He retorted angrily.

Translations

Translations of the word "retort" in other languages:

🇵🇹 réplica

🇮🇳 प्रत्युत्तर

🇩🇪 Erwiderung

🇮🇩 sanggahan

🇺🇦 різка відповідь

🇵🇱 riposta

🇯🇵 反論 (hanron)

🇫🇷 réplique

🇪🇸 réplica

🇹🇷 cevap

🇰🇷 대꾸 (daekku)

🇸🇦 رد

🇨🇿 odveta

🇸🇰 odveta

🇨🇳 反驳 (fǎnbó)

🇸🇮 ugovor

🇮🇸 andmæli

🇰🇿 қарсы жауап

🇬🇪 პასუხი

🇦🇿 cavab

🇲🇽 réplica

Etymology

The word 'retort' originated in the late 16th century from the Latin word 'retortus', which means 'twisted back'. It was initially used in alchemy to describe a vessel with a curved neck used for distillation. Over time, the meaning evolved to include a sharp or witty reply in conversation.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,369, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.