retort

/ri'tɔ:t/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
retort

The student made a clever retort that made the class laugh.

Definition

  1. Noun:

    • A quick, witty, or sharp reply to a question or remark: A "retort" is a clever, often critical, answer given immediately in response to a comment or accusation.
    • A closed vessel used for heating substances for distillation or chemical decomposition: In chemistry and industry, a "retort" is a type of glass or metal container with a long neck bent downward, used for distillation.

  2. Verb:

    • To reply quickly, wittily, or sharply: To "retort" means to answer back in a clever, critical, or angry manner.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun (verbal reply):
    • Her clever retort left him speechless.
    • The politician's retort to the journalist's question was widely quoted.
  • Noun (chemical vessel):
    • The alchemist heated the liquid in a glass retort.
  • Verb:
    • "That's not true!" she retorted angrily.
    • When accused of being lazy, he retorted that he was merely efficient.
Advanced Usage
  • "To make a retort": To deliver a sharp or witty reply.
    • He was quick to make a retort to any criticism.
  • "A retort courteous": A formal or polite term for a sharp reply, often used in historical or literary contexts regarding formal debate.
    • In the duel of wits, her response was a retort courteous.
Variants and Related Words
  • Retortion (noun, rare): The act of retorting; a retort.
  • Retortive (adjective, rare): Characteristic of a retort; sharp in reply.
Synonyms
  • Noun (reply): Rejoinder, riposte, comeback, counter, rebuttal.
  • Verb: Rejoin, riposte, counter, snap back, answer back.
Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: "Retort" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is typically contained in the single word.)

Related Idioms
  • "A retort that stings": A reply that is particularly sharp, effective, or hurtful.
    • His sarcastic comment was met with a retort that stung.
  • "To have a retort on the tip of one's tongue": To be ready to give a quick, sharp reply immediately.
    • She had a witty retort on the tip of her tongue but decided to stay silent.
retort

The student made a clever retort that made the class laugh.

Noun
  1. a vessel where substances are distilled or decomposed by heat
  2. a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)
    • it brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher
Verb
  1. answer back

Từ đồng nghĩa

Từ gần giống

Từ có nhắc đến "retort"