Dictionary
English - Japanese
Retort
rəˈtɔrt
Very common
~ 1900
~ 1900
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
反論 (はんろん), 返答 (へんとう), 言い返す (いいかえす)
Retort meanings in Japanese
反論 (はんろん)
Example:
She gave a sharp retort to his criticism.
彼の批判に対して彼女は鋭い反論をした。
His retort was quick and clever.
彼の反論は素早くて巧妙だった。
Usage: InformalContext: Used in conversations where someone responds to an argument or comment, often with wit or sarcasm.
Note: 反論 is commonly used in discussions or debates. It implies a counter-argument or a comeback.
返答 (へんとう)
Example:
Her retort was unexpected, leaving everyone silent.
彼女の返答は予想外で、皆を静かにさせた。
He made a retort that caught his opponent off guard.
彼は対戦相手を驚かせる返答をした。
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Used in both formal and informal settings to describe a response to a question or statement.
Note: 返答 can be used in various contexts, including formal speeches, written communication, and casual conversations.
言い返す (いいかえす)
Example:
Don't just sit there; retort if you disagree!
そこに座っていないで、もし反対するなら言い返しなさい！
She couldn't help but retort when he insulted her.
彼が彼女を侮辱したとき、彼女は言い返さずにはいられなかった。
Usage: InformalContext: Used in situations where someone is encouraged to respond directly or emotionally to an insult or challenge.
Note: 言い返す emphasizes a direct and often emotional response, typically in a confrontational context.
Retort's synonyms
reply
A reply is a response to something that has been said or done.
Example: She quickly replied to his question.
Note: While a retort is a sharp or witty reply, a simple reply can be more straightforward and less confrontational.
response
A response is an answer or reaction to something.
Example: His response to the criticism was well thought out.
Note: A response can be more general and encompass a wider range of reactions compared to a retort, which is typically a quick, sharp reply.
comeback
A comeback is a quick and clever reply, especially in a challenging or humorous way.
Example: She had a clever comeback to his teasing remark.
Note: A comeback is often used in a more lighthearted or playful context compared to a retort, which may carry a more serious or confrontational tone.
Retort expressions, common phrases
Sharp retort
A sharp or cutting response given in reply to a comment or criticism.
Example: She responded with a sharp retort to his criticism.
Note: The addition of 'sharp' modifies the original word 'retort' to emphasize the tone or nature of the response.
Quick retort
An immediate or swift response made in reply to a statement or question.
Example: Without hesitation, she fired back a quick retort to his joke.
Note: The inclusion of 'quick' highlights the speed or promptness of the reply.
Sarcastic retort
A response that is mocking or ironic in nature, often meant to express disdain or amusement.
Example: His sarcastic retort left her speechless.
Note: The term 'sarcastic' modifies the original word 'retort' to indicate the use of sarcasm in the reply.
Witty retort
A clever or humorous response given in a clever or amusing way.
Example: She always has a witty retort ready in any conversation.
Note: Adding 'witty' to 'retort' suggests that the reply is not only quick but also clever or amusing.
Stinging retort
A cutting or hurtful response delivered with force or intensity.
Example: Her stinging retort silenced the room.
Note: The term 'stinging' modifies 'retort' to indicate that the response is particularly sharp or hurtful.
Swift retort
A rapid or immediate response given without delay.
Example: In the debate, his swift retorts showcased his quick thinking.
Note: The inclusion of 'swift' emphasizes the speed or promptness of the reply.
Clever retort
An intelligent or resourceful response that demonstrates wit or ingenuity.
Example: His clever retort caught everyone off guard.
Note: By adding 'clever' to 'retort', it suggests that the reply is not only quick but also smart or inventive.
Retort everyday (slang) expressions
Clap back
To clap back means to respond quickly and sharply, especially in a confrontational or argumentative manner.
Example: When John criticized Mary, she wasted no time in clapping back with a scathing retort.
Note:
Burn
A burn is a harsh or cutting remark made as a response, often aimed to embarrass or criticize someone.
Example: After that insult, Susan delivered a brutal burn as her retort, leaving everyone speechless.
Note:
Zinger
A zinger is a sharp, witty, or pointed remark that is cleverly delivered to make a strong impact.
Example: His retort was filled with zingers that had the audience laughing uncontrollably.
Note:
Roast
To roast someone is to humorously mock or ridicule them, often in a friendly or teasing manner.
Example: Instead of taking offense, Alex chose to respond with a playful roast as his retort.
Note:
Sick burn
A sick burn is an exceptionally harsh or cutting insult directed at someone as a response.
Example: Angela couldn't help but laugh at the sick burn Mike delivered as his retort.
Note:
Snappy comeback
A snappy comeback is a quick and clever reply given in a sharp or witty manner, often to outshine the opponent.
Example: In a heated debate, Sarah always manages to come up with a snappy comeback as her retort.
Note:
Retort - Examples
His retort to her insult was quick and biting.
The scientist used a retort to distill the liquid.
She made a retort to his sarcastic comment.
Retort grammar
Retort - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: retort
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): retorts, retort
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): retort
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): retorted
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): retorting
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): retorts
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): retort
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): retort
Syllables, Separation and Stress
retort Contains 2 syllables: re • tort
Phonetic transcription: ri-ˈtȯrt
re tort , ri ˈtȯrt (The red syllable is stressed)
Retort - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
retort: ~ 1900 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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