Definition

1. Verb (archaic):
   • To retort: To answer someone quickly, cleverly, or sharply, especially in response to an argument or criticism.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Khi bị chất vấn, ông ấy biến báo rất nhanh. (When questioned, he retorted very quickly.)
  • Cô ấy có tài biến báo, luôn tìm được lời đối đáp. (She has a talent for retorting, always finding a clever reply.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is marked as archaic () in modern Vietnamese. In contemporary usage, words like đối đáp (to reply), cãi lại (to talk back), or phản bác (to refute) are more common for similar meanings.

Synonyms

• Retort: To answer sharply or wittily.
• Repartee: To make a quick, witty reply.
• Rejoin: To say something in answer to a remark.

Related Idioms

• Có tài biến báo: To have a talent for witty repartee or clever retorts.
  • Nhà ngoại giao ấy nổi tiếng có tài biến báo. (That diplomat is famous for having a talent for clever retorts.)

1. (cũ) Retort