repartee
pronunciation
How to pronounce repartee in British English:
UK [ˌrepɑ:ˈti:]
How to pronounce repartee in American English:
US [ˌrepɑrˈti]
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- Noun:
- adroitness and cleverness in reply
Word Origin
- repartee (n.)
- 1640s, "quick remark," from French repartie "an answering blow or thrust" (originally a fencing term), noun use of fem. past participle of Old French repartir "to reply promptly, start out again," from re- "back" (see re-) + partir "to part, depart, start" (see part (n.)). In 17c. often spelled reparty (see -ee). Meaning "a series of sharp rejoinders exchanged" is from 1680s.
Example
- 1. Repartee is what you wish you 'd said .
- 2. Humpback whale songs and repartee : communication in marine mammals .
- 3. This diplomat possessed an excellent gift for repartee .
- 4. Witty or clever verbal exchange ; repartee .
- 5. I enjoy listening to their witty repartee .