retort — to reply quickly and sharply, often in an angry or witty way
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to reply quickly and sharply, often in an angry or witty way
Pronunciation (IPA): /rɪˈtɔːrt/
Example Sentences
- When his boss called him slow, Tom retorted, 'I prefer the term methodical.'
- She couldn't think of a good retort until hours after the argument.
- 'You're terrible at cooking,' he said. 'At least I try,' she retorted, 'unlike someone who lives on instant noodles.'
retort
VERB[/rɪˈtɔːrt/]
to reply quickly and sharply, often in an angry or witty way
Firing back with sharp words
A short retort shakes the court!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'retorquere,' meaning 'to twist back' or 'to turn back,' composed of 're-' (back) and 'torquere' (to twist or turn). The word evolved through Old French to Middle English, originally referring to the physical act of twisting back before acquiring its modern sense of a sharp verbal response.
Breakdown
re- (back) + tort (twist, from Latin torquere) = retort (to twist back in response, hence to reply sharply)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“When his boss called him slow, Tom retorted, 'I prefer the term methodical.'”
“She couldn't think of a good retort until hours after the argument.”
“'You're terrible at cooking,' he said. 'At least I try,' she retorted, 'unlike someone who lives on instant noodles.'”
“The laboratory retort was carefully cleaned before the next experiment.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.