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Entgegnung

rejoinder, retort

noun ent-GAYK-nung Rare
Communication Speech

Usage Note

Entgegnung is the noun for a direct verbal response to a specific statement or accusation — stronger than Antwort and closer to a rebuttal. Eine schlagfertige Entgegnung — a quick-witted comeback. Used in formal and literary language.

Examples

"Auf seine Kritik hatte sie keine passende Entgegnung parat."

Natural Translation

She had no suitable retort ready for his criticism.

Literal Translation

On his criticism had she no fitting retort ready.

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