🇬🇧 Retort meaning: English Vocabulary Flash Card

A retort is a quick answer that someone gives right after another person says something, usually because they are annoyed or trying to be funny. It’s not a long speech, just a fast come-back. A retort can sound angry, or it can be a clever joke that turns the other person’s words back on them.

When Dad said, "You’re walking mud all over the floor," his retort was, "I’m starting a homegrown swamp ecosystem."

When Mom said, "You’re attached to that tablet," his retort was, "We’re in a serious relationship."

When she was told she had bedhead, her retort was, "It’s not messy, it’s a stormy hairstyle."

When the teacher said, "Your handwriting is mysterious," his retort was, "It’s not messy, it’s in secret agent font."

His sister said, "You can’t dance," and his retort was, "True, but I can wiggle with confidence."

At the bus stop, a man spilled coffee; the woman’s quick retort was sharp and loud. His retort came back, softer; another person offered a calm retort. Then hers, with a laugh. A child’s small retort — “It’s okay!” — cut the heat. Their final retort was a shared smile, and they left lighter.

This word is at the C2 level, which means it represents the highest mastery of English. It’s often used in specialized or highly formal contexts and helps you communicate with precision and subtlety, much like a native speaker.

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