repartee — Quick, witty replies or conversation; skillful verbal sparring
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: Quick, witty replies or conversation; skillful verbal sparring
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌrepɑrˈti/
Example Sentences
- The dinner party was full of sparkling repartee between the guests.
- Her repartee was so sharp that even her critics had to admire her wit.
- When asked if he was nervous before the debate, the politician replied with typical repartee: 'Only butterflies get nervous - I get excited.'
repartee
NOUN[/ˌrepɑrˈti/]
Quick, witty replies or conversation; skillful verbal sparring
Their witty repartee at dinner kept everyone laughing till dessert arrived.
Rep at party fires back witty replies with lightning speed
Sharp repartee at the café cuts through every cliché!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From French repartie (17th century), meaning 'a quick reply' or 'comeback.' The word comes from the French verb repartir, meaning 'to set out again' or 'to reply promptly,' evoking the image of words exchanged back and forth like moves in a fencing match.
Breakdown
re- (back/again) + partir (to depart/set out) + -ee (noun suffix indicating the result of an action)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The dinner party was full of sparkling repartee between the guests.”
“Her repartee was so sharp that even her critics had to admire her wit.”
“When asked if he was nervous before the debate, the politician replied with typical repartee: 'Only butterflies get nervous - I get excited.'”
📚Related Words
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