retort

CEFRB2

/ɹɪˈtɔɹt/

verb · noun

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    verb

    To answer sharply or angrily to something said.

  2. 02

    noun

    A quick, sharp, or angry answer.

Examples

  • He was tempted to retort, but thought better of it.

  • Tom is always ready with a quick retort.

At a glance

Sits at B2 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
2
Citations
5
Synonyms
3

Deep Dive

verb

Extra meanings

  1. To make a remark which reverses an argument upon its originator; to return, as an argument, accusation, censure, or incivility.

  2. To say something sharp or witty in answer to a remark or accusation.

noun

Extra meaning

  1. A sharp or witty reply, or one which turns an argument against its originator; a comeback.

More examples

In context

  • He countered her insult with a clever retort.

  • to retort the charge of vanity

  • a retorted line

Synonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

When criticized unfairly, some people blank with a sharp comment.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

verb

From Middle English retorte, from Latin retortus, from retorquēre (“to be forced to twist back”).