Repartee

Quick meaning: Repartee is a noun meaning A swift, witty reply, especially one that is amusing.

Meaning

A swift, witty reply, especially one that is amusing.

More Meanings

1. A conversation marked by a series of witty retorts.
2. A skill in replying swiftly and wittily.
3. (transitive) To reply with a repartee.
4. (transitive) To have a repartee (a conversation marked by witty retorts or replies).

Example Sentences

A slight smile broke on his lips. ¶ "You are always prepared to sacrifice your principles for a repartee," he answered.

Many persons must laugh when a great person or an acknowledged wit says a clever thing, such as a smart repartee, or a really good pun.

Aubrey speaks of him as 'incomparable at reparteeing, the bull that was bayted, his witt beinge most sparkling, when most set on and provoked.'

Yet habit—strange thing! what cannot habit accomplish?—Gayer sallies, more merry mirth, better jokes, and brighter repartees, you never heard over your mahogany[…]

Word Forms

• repartees
• reparteeing
• reparteed

Synonyms for repartee

Depending on context, synonyms include joke.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include quip, banter, comeback, rejoinder, riposte, ripost.

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