Repartee
[,repɑː'tiː] or [,rɛpə'ti]
Definition
(n.) A smart, ready, and witty reply.
(v. i.) To make smart and witty replies.
Edited by Allison
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. Retort; smart, or witty reply.
Inputed by Jarvis
Definition
n. a smart ready and witty reply.—v.i. to make witty replies.
Checked by Adrienne
Unserious Contents or Definition
n. Prudent insult in retort. Practiced by gentlemen with a constitutional aversion to violence but a strong disposition to offend. In a war of words the tactics of the North American Indian.
Edited by Charlene
Unserious Contents or Definition
The sassy habit of talking back.
Typist: Miranda
Examples
- Mr. Rochester, allow me to disown my first answer: I intended no pointed repartee: it was only a blunder. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- I am a very matter-of-fact, plain-spoken being, and may blunder on the borders of a repartee for half an hour together without striking it out. Jane Austen. Mansfield Park.
- Perhaps not,' said Fascination Fledgeby, with great quickness of repartee; 'but I expect it will be devilish warm to-morrow. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
Checked by Andrew