Retort: meaning, definitions and examples
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retort
[ rɪˈtɔːt ]
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.
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
Word origin
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.