How Do You Spell RETORT?

Pronunciation: [ɹɪtˈɔːt] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "retort" can be a bit tricky for some. It is pronounced as /rɪˈtɔːt/ and the stress is on the second syllable. The "re" comes from the Latin prefix "re-" which means "back" or "again", while "tort" comes from the Latin verb "torquere" which means "to twist". A retort is a response to an argument or criticism, which twists the meaning or presents a different view. Remembering its etymology may help you in remembering its spelling.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling word
Plural
Conjugate verb
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RETORT Meaning and Definition

  1. A retort is a noun that primarily refers to a quick, sharp, and witty reply made in response to a comment or criticism, often intended to counter or refute it. It is a form of concise and clever comeback aimed at rebuffing or challenging an argument or statement. The purpose of a retort is typically to demonstrate intelligence, wit, or superiority to the person making the initial comment. Retorts can range from playful banter to biting sarcasm, depending on the context and level of seriousness involved.

    Additionally, a retort can also refer to a device used in scientific or culinary settings. In scientific laboratories, a retort is a round, airtight glass container with a long, curved neck used for distillation or heating substances. The neck of the retort allows vapor to be collected or redirected, ensuring the safety and efficiency of various scientific processes.

    In cooking, a retort refers to a type of pressure-resistant food packaging commonly used for the preservation and sterilization of perishable goods. It typically consists of a metal canister that is sealed and then heat-treated under high pressure to ensure long shelf life and the elimination of bacteria or other contaminants.

    These two definitions of retort demonstrate the versatility of the word, as it is both a linguistic tool for clever verbal comebacks and a physical object used in scientific and culinary processes.

  2. A flask-like vessel with a long neck passing outward, used in distilling.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. • To return or throw back, as an argument, an accusation, or an incivility; to make a severe reply.
    • The return of an argument, censure, or incivility; a severe reply; a round-shaped chemical vessel having a long bent neck; an iron or fire-clay cylinder in a gaswork for charging with coal to be converted into gas; a distilling apparatus.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for RETORT

Etymology of RETORT

The word "retort" originated from the Latin word "retortus", which is the past participle of the verb "retorquere". "Retorquere" is a combination of the prefix "re-" (meaning "back" or "again") and the verb "torquere" (meaning "to twist"). Therefore, the literal translation of "retortus" is "twisted back" or "twisted again". In English, the word "retort" initially referred to a sharp, witty, or clever reply that has a twist or element of turning back against the person it is directed to. This meaning later developed into the scientific sense, where a retort is a glass vessel used for distillation or analysis that typically has a curved shape resembling a twisted tube.

Similar spelling word for RETORT

Plural form of RETORT is RETORTS

Conjugate verb Retort

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have retorted
you would have retorted
he/she/it would have retorted
we would have retorted
they would have retorted
I would have retort
you would have retort
he/she/it would have retort
we would have retort
they would have retort

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been retorting
you would have been retorting
he/she/it would have been retorting
we would have been retorting
they would have been retorting

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would retort
you would retort
he/she/it would retort
we would retort
they would retort

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be retorting
you would be retorting
he/she/it would be retorting
we would be retorting
they would be retorting

FUTURE

I will retort
you will retort
he/she/it will retort
we will retort
they will retort

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be retorting
you will be retorting
he/she/it will be retorting
we will be retorting
they will be retorting

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have retorted
you will have retorted
he/she/it will have retorted
we will have retorted
they will have retorted

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been retorting
you will have been retorting
he/she/it will have been retorting
we will have been retorting
they will have been retorting

IMPERATIVE

you retort
we let´s retort

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to retort

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was retorting
you were retorting
he/she/it was retorting
we were retorting
they were retorting

PAST PARTICIPLE

retorted

PAST PERFECT

I had retorted
you had retorted
he/she/it had retorted
we had retorted
they had retorted

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been retorting
you had been retorting
he/she/it had been retorting
we had been retorting
they had been retorting

PRESENT

I retort
you retort
he/she/it retorts
we retort
they retort

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am retorting
you are retorting
he/she/it is retorting
we are retorting
they are retorting

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

retorting

PRESENT PERFECT

I have retorted
you have retorted
he/she/it has retorted
we have retorted
they have retorted

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been retorting
you have been retorting
he/she/it has been retorting
we have been retorting
they have been retorting

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it retort

SIMPLE PAST

I retorted
you retorted
he/she/it retorted
we retorted
they retorted

Infographic

Correct spelling for retort
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