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

1. adroitness and cleverness in reply