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How to Pronounce Retort

How to Pronounce "Retort"

Definition: How to say "Retort" and use it in a sentence

Phonetic Spelling:

ri-tawrt (pronounced: ree-tawrt)

How to say "Retort" correctly

Understanding the meanings of Retort.

  • A quick, witty, or cutting reply
  • A vessel or chamber in which substances are distilled or decomposed by heat
  • An airtight container holding provisions or corrosive liquids
  • To make a reply to
  • To say in reply

Use Retort in a sentence:

  • She always had a clever retort ready for any insult.
  • The scientist used a retort to distill the liquid mixture.
  • The retort was sealed tightly to prevent any leaks.
  • He retorted angrily to the accusations.
  • She retorted with a sarcastic comment.

Words close in sound to Retort:

Retard, Retract, Retreat, Revert, Report, Rework, Resort, Reword, Rebirth, Repartee,

Synonyms for Retort

Comeback, Reply, Response, Counter, Rejoinder, Answer, Quip, Sally, Return, Replication,

Antonyms for Retort

Question, Query, Request, Compliment, Praise, Agreement, Endorsement, Acquiescence, Approval, Consent,

Review Retort
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Steps to pronounce English words more accurately

Here are a couple of things to remember that should help you perfect your pronunciation of ‘Retort‘:

  • Break ‘Retort’ down into each individual vowel, say it out loud whilst exaggerating the sounds until you can consistently say it without making a mistake.
  • Record yourself saying ‘Retort‘ in full sentences and then watch or listen back. You’ll be able to find any of your mistakes quite easily.
  • Look up more tutorials on Youtube on how to pronounce ‘Retort‘ accurately.
  • Target a single accent: when you mix multiple accents, it can confuse you, especially for beginners, so pick just one accent, perhaps UK and master that first.


More tips\techniques to enhance your English pronunciation skills, we recommend embrace these techniques:

Practicing speech contraction in speech is common in the U.S. and is viewed as a natural part of informal dialogue. For example, altering “what are you going to do this weekend” to “what you gonna do this weekend” is standard practice. Look into terms like ‘gonna’ and ‘wanna’ for further understanding.

Improving your intonation is vital for English fluency. The patterns of stress, rhythm, and pitch in English are crucial in conveying your intended message and emotions. A plethora of resources and videos on Youtube can aid you in mastering these aspects to pronounce ‘Retort’.

Engage with several Youtube channels dedicated to English learning. These platforms offer free resources that tackle essential language skills. Pronounce.tv is one more excellent source for honing your pronunciation.

Imitating native speakers can greatly improve your pronunciation. Listen to how they say ‘Retort’ and try to replicate the tone, speed, and rhythm in your speech, making it second nature.

Incorporate phonetic exercises into your routine. Learning and practicing the phonetic sounds of English can help you better pronounce complex vocabulary.

Frequently practice English in your daily conversations. The more you speak, the more adept you’ll become with the nuances of pronunciation and accent, boosting your overall expressive capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sarcastic retort?

A sarcastic retort is a witty or cutting response that is intended to mock or criticize someone or something in a sarcastic manner. It is a form of verbal irony where the speaker says the opposite of what they really mean, often with a tone of sarcasm or disdain. Sarcastic retorts are often used in social interactions, conversations, or debates to express disagreement, disbelief, or to point out flaws or absurdities in someone else’s statement. It can be a humorous way to respond to a comment or question, but it can also come across as rude or offensive depending on the context and tone in which it is delivered.

What is the correct way to say ‘Retort’?

The correct way to say ‘Retort’ is pronounced as \ri-ˈtȯrt\. The emphasis is on the first syllable ‘re’ and the ‘tort’ is pronounced with a short ‘o’ sound. The word is commonly used to refer to a sharp, witty, or cutting reply in a conversation or debate. It is important to enunciate the ‘r’ sound at the beginning and pronounce the ‘t’ clearly in the middle to ensure the correct pronunciation of ‘retort’.

What are the common mispronunciations of the word ‘Retort’?

The word “retort” is commonly mispronounced as “ree-tort” instead of the correct pronunciation, which is “ri-tort.” Another common mispronunciation is “reh-tort.” The correct pronunciation places the emphasis on the first syllable, “ri,” with a short “i” sound. It is important to remember that the “o” in “retort” is pronounced as a short “i” sound, similar to the word “sit.” To avoid mispronouncing this word, it is helpful to break it down into its two syllables and focus on emphasizing the correct sounds.

What is the full meaning of retort?

The full meaning of the term “retort” encompasses two main definitions. Firstly, it refers to responding back to someone, typically in an angry or sharp manner. This can involve replying to a comment or criticism with a quick, sharp comeback. Secondly, a retort can also mean responding to an argument with an opposing argument. In this context, it involves countering or rebutting an argument or statement with a different perspective or viewpoint. Overall, a retort involves a swift and often sharp reply or response to a comment, criticism, or argument.

How do you pronounce the word ‘Retort’?

The word “retort” is pronounced as “ri-tawrt.” The emphasis is on the first syllable “ri,” and the “t” at the end is pronounced as a soft “t” sound. In phonetic terms, it is pronounced as /rɪˈtɔːrt/. The word is commonly used in conversations or debates to indicate a sharp or witty reply to a comment or criticism.

What is the meaning of retort in a sentence?

In a sentence, the term “retort” is used to describe a quick and often sharp response to something that has been said. It typically conveys a sense of disagreement, annoyance, or defensiveness. When someone retorts, they are responding swiftly and often with a hint of emotion, such as anger or frustration. The purpose of a retort is to challenge or counter the statement or argument that was made, showing a clear opposition or contradiction. Overall, a retort in a sentence indicates a strong and immediate reaction to a comment or assertion.

How does the pronunciation of ‘Retort’ differ from similar words like ‘Retain’ or ‘Resort’?

The pronunciation of ‘Retort’ differs from similar words like ‘Retain’ and ‘Resort’ in terms of stress and vowel sounds. In ‘Retort,’ the stress is on the first syllable, with a short ‘e’ sound, pronounced as “ri-TORT.” In contrast, ‘Retain’ and ‘Resort’ have the stress on the second syllable, with a long ‘a’ sound, pronounced as “ree-TAIN” and “ree-SORT” respectively. Additionally, ‘Retort’ ends with a ‘t’ sound, while ‘Retain’ ends with an ‘n’ sound and ‘Resort’ ends with a ‘t’ sound. These differences in stress, vowel sounds, and ending consonants contribute to the distinct pronunciation of these words.

In which syllable is the emphasis placed when pronouncing ‘Retort’?

The emphasis in the word “retort” is placed on the second syllable, which is “tort.” So, when pronouncing “retort,” you would say it with emphasis on the “tort” part of the word. The pronunciation would sound like “ri-TORT.” This emphasis on the second syllable helps to give the word its distinct and correct pronunciation.

What is the pronunciation of the word ‘Retort’ in British English?

In British English, the word “retort” is typically pronounced as \ri-ˈtȯrt\. The stress is on the first syllable, and the “o” is pronounced as a short “o” sound. The “r” sound is pronounced clearly at the beginning of the word. Overall, the pronunciation of “retort” in British English follows the standard rules of English pronunciation.

Are there any silent letters in the pronunciation of ‘Retort’?

Yes, there is a silent letter in the pronunciation of “retort.” The letter ‘t’ in ‘retort’ is silent, so the word is pronounced as “ree-mort.” The silent ‘t’ is common in English words where it appears after the letter ‘r’ in the middle of the word. It is important to be aware of silent letters in English words to ensure correct pronunciation.

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