What does interjectory mean?
An interjection is a word or short phrase that expresses a sudden emotion, reaction, or attempt to attract attention. Words such as “wow,” “ouch,” “hey,” and “good heavens” commonly function as interjections, appearing independently or within a larger sentence. In grammatical analysis, “interjection” also names a category of words and phrases whose primary purpose is to convey feeling rather than form an ordinary clause. Interjections are especially characteristic of spontaneous, informal, and emotional speech, although they also occur in narration, dialogue, journalism, and occasional formal writing. The word can refer both to an individual utterance and to the broader grammatical category. Its unusual history comes from Latin: the underlying verb means “to throw between,” reflecting how an interjection throws an expressive remark into the flow of conversation.
nounA word or short phrase used as an exclamation to express a sudden emotion, reaction, or attempt to interrupt. In grammar, the term refers to a class of words and phrases that perform this function.
- A word or short phrase used as an exclamation to express emotion or reaction, especially one that interrupts the flow of speech.
- In grammar, a word or phrase belonging to the class of expressions that convey sudden feelings, reactions, or attempts to interrupt.
"Her cry of “Eureka!” was an interjection of delight at the discovery."
"“Good heavens!” was an interjection of genuine astonishment."
"In the sentence “Wow, that was close,” “wow” functions as an interjection."
The plural is used for individual exclamations and for multiple members of the grammatical word class; the noun can also be used uncountably when referring to the category as a whole.
"The editor removed the unnecessary interjections from the interview transcript."
From the Latin root meaning “to throw between,” an interjection literally throws a sudden remark into the middle of speech.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does interjectory come from?
The word entered English through Old French from Latin interjectio, a noun derived from interjicere, “to throw between.” Its components combine inter-, meaning “between” or “among,” with jacere, “to throw.” The related English verb interject preserves this original sense of inserting a remark abruptly, while the noun came to designate the inserted expression itself.
Related word forms
How interjectory is actually used
The term is used in general English for an abrupt exclamation and in grammar for a word class that often stands independently from the rest of a sentence. Formal writing generally uses fewer interjections than informal speech.
Easily confused with interjectory
An interjection is the word or phrase used as an exclamation, whereas interject is the verb meaning to insert a remark abruptly into speech or conversation.