repartee
/,repɑ:'ti:/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. Quick, witty conversation or replies: Repartee refers to conversation or replies that are clever, witty, and delivered quickly, often in a humorous or good-natured exchange. 2. Skill in witty conversation: It can also denote the skill or ability to engage in such quick, clever, and amusing verbal exchanges.
Usage
Repartee is used to describe a specific, sophisticated type of verbal interaction. It is typically a mass noun (e.g., "full of repartee") but can also be countable when referring to a particular witty remark (e.g., "a brilliant repartee"). It is most often associated with social settings, debates, or dialogues where humor and intelligence are displayed through speech.
Examples
- The dinner party was enjoyable due to the lively repartee among the guests.
- She is known for her sharp repartee in interviews.
- His quick repartee left everyone at the table laughing.
- The debate lacked substance and was reduced to mere repartee.
Advanced Usage
- "A contest/crossfire of repartee": Describes a situation where two or more people are engaged in a rapid, witty exchange.
- The two comedians engaged in a hilarious contest of repartee.
- "To engage in repartee": To participate in witty conversation.
- They spent the evening engaging in friendly repartee.
Variants and Related Words
- Reparteeist (noun, rare): A person who is skilled at repartee.
- He was considered the foremost reparteeist of his literary circle.
Synonyms
- Banter: Playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks.
- Badinage: Light-hearted ridicule or mockery.
- Wit: The capacity for inventive thought and quick understanding; keen intelligence.
- Riposte: A quick, clever reply to an insult or criticism.
Antonyms
- Monologue: A long speech by one person.
- Silence: Complete absence of sound or speech.
Idioms and Phrases
- "To trade repartees": To exchange witty remarks.
- The two old friends loved to trade repartees whenever they met.
- "A master/mistress of repartee": Someone exceptionally skilled at witty conversation.
- With her clever comebacks, she proved to be a mistress of repartee.
Noun
- adroitness and cleverness in reply