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Retorting: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ’ฌ
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retorting

 

[ rษชหˆtษ”หrtษชล‹ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

response, conversation

Retorting is the act of replying sharply or critically to someone's statement or question, often conveying wit or sarcasm. It is commonly used in discussions where quick and clever responses are appreciated. The term can imply a sense of rebuttal against a comment made by another person. In many cases, a retort serves to both defend one's position and highlight the flaws in the opposing argument.

Synonyms

counter, rebut, rejoin, reply, respond

Examples of usage

  • She retorted with a clever comeback.
  • His retorting remarks made the debate lively.
  • After being criticized, he retorted with facts.
  • Not everyone appreciates her sharp retorting.
  • During the argument, he retorted quickly.

Translations

Translations of the word "retorting" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น rebatendo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅเคฐเคคเคฟเคตเคพเคฆ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Widerlegung

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ menjawab

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะตั€ะตะฟะฐะปะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ odpowiedลบ

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅ่ซ–ใ™ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท rรฉponse

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ replica

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท cevap verme

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฐ˜๋ฐ•

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฑุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ odpovฤ›ฤ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ odpoveฤ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ้ฉณ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ odgovor

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ svar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะฐัƒะฐะฟ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒแƒกแƒฃแƒฎแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ cavab

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ respuesta

Etymology

The word 'retort' originates from the Latin 'retortus', which is the past participle of 'retorquer', meaning 'to turn back'. It was initially used in the context of physical action, as in deformations or responses in various dynamical systems. Over time, its meaning evolved to represent verbal exchanges, particularly those that involve quick and sharp responses. The earliest records of 'retorting' in English date back to the late 16th century, where it began to be used to describe conversations that included repartees or comebacks, particularly in literature and rhetorical contexts. By the 17th century, it was well established in English as a way to define witty or clever responses in dialogues, often in legal, social, and political discussions. Today, retorting is not only seen as a means of exchanging ideas but also as a form of intellectual sparring, showcasing one's wit and argumentative skills.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,664, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.