Riposte

A riposte (pronounced ree-POST) is a quick, clever, and often witty response to a statement or question, especially one that is sharp or critical. It's characterized by its speed, precision, and ability to deflect an attack or comment with intelligence. The riposte can be verbal or even physical, such as in fencing, where it refers to a counter-attack following a parry. The effectiveness of a riposte lies in its ability to surprise, disarm, and potentially silence the opponent, revealing the speaker's quick wit and command of the situation. It requires not only a quick mind but also an understanding of the context and the ability to formulate a response that's both appropriate and impactful. Often, a successful riposte leaves the speaker with a sense of satisfaction and the audience with a sense of amusement.

Riposte meaning with examples

• During the heated debate, the politician delivered a sharp accusation, but his opponent, with a perfectly timed riposte, skillfully turned the criticism back, highlighting the accuser's own past inconsistencies. The crowd erupted in applause, effectively defusing the initial attack and shifting the momentum in his favor. This successful riposte showcased the opponent's quick thinking and mastery of rhetoric.
• When the comedian was heckled by someone in the audience, he didn't get angry. Instead, he delivered a brilliant riposte that incorporated the heckler's comment into his act, making it seem part of the joke. The audience laughed so hard the heckler looked quite foolish. His swift and humorous riposte silenced the disruption and salvaged the performance.
• In their exchange of emails, the manager sent a passive-aggressive email, criticizing the team's recent performance. One member offered a clever riposte highlighting recent achievements, subtly suggesting that the criticism was unwarranted. This riposte displayed diplomacy and subtly challenged the negative assessment, while avoiding direct confrontation. This kept morale up while still communicating their disagreement.
• When the student challenged the professor’s argument, the professor, displaying a swift riposte, used their prior work to counter the point. With a sharp retort, they not only addressed the student's concern but also demonstrated their depth of knowledge. This quick riposte served as an example of logical and comprehensive analysis of a topic.
• In the fencing match, after defending an opponent’s attack (a parry), the athlete executed a lightning-fast riposte, thrusting their foil and scoring a point. This offensive maneuver demanded precision, agility, and the ability to capitalize on a momentary opening. This aggressive riposte led to victory as it demonstrated both skill and a bold game strategy.