What does repartee mean?
Repartee is a quick, witty reply, especially one that turns a remark or criticism back on its speaker. It is commonly associated with conversation, comedy, debate, and social situations in which someone responds cleverly and confidently. The word also has the broader sense of an exchange of rapid, often humorous remarks: two people may trade repartee across a room or during an interview. Unlike a neutral reply, a repartee implies intelligence, timing, and often a degree of comic or confrontational flair. Although it can describe a sharp response, it is not necessarily hostile; a pleasant exchange of repartee may be affectionate or playful. The term comes from the world of fencing and verbal duelling, where a rapid answer parries an opponent's attack.
nounA witty or clever reply made quickly, often in response to a remark or criticism. The word can also refer more generally to an exchange of quick, sharp responses.
- A witty, quick, and clever reply.
- An exchange of such replies.
"Her poised repartee silenced the room and won a burst of applause."
"The politician's clever repartee turned the press conference into an unexpectedly lively exchange."
"Their evening was filled with comic repartee, with each teasing remark met by an even quicker response."
The standard plural adds an acute accent to the final vowel and an s.
"Her quick repartees kept the audience laughing throughout the interview."
Born from the language of fencing, where a riposte is a return thrust, the word now celebrates the quick verbal counterstroke that leaves an opponent speechless.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does repartee come from?
The word comes through French from the French fencing term 'riposte', meaning a quick return thrust made in answer to an opponent's attack. English borrowed it in the eighteenth century for the associated idea of a prompt counter-reply. Over time, the word developed its modern association with quick verbal wit, while 'riposte' remained the closely related term for a swift counterattack.
How repartee is actually used
Usually used in contexts involving wit, conversation, debate, or performance. It is somewhat literary and formal compared with the more general word 'comeback'.
Easily confused with repartee
A riposte is often a prompt counterattack or reply, especially in fencing or a verbal exchange, whereas a repartee is specifically witty or clever.
A rejoinder can be any reply, including a formal or argumentative one, while a repartee is distinguished by its quickness and wit.