interjection

[ in-ter-jek-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of interjecting.
2. something interjected, as a remark.
3. the utterance of a word or phrase expressive of emotion; the uttering of an exclamation.
4. Grammar.
   1. any member of a class of words expressing emotion, distinguished in most languages by their use in grammatical isolation, as Hey! Oh! Ouch! Ugh!
   2. any other word or expression so used, as Good grief! Indeed!

interjection

/ ˌɪntəˈdʒɛkʃən /

noun

1. a word or remark expressing emotion; exclamation
2. the act of interjecting
3. a word or phrase that is characteristically used in syntactic isolation and that usually expresses sudden emotion; expletive interj.

interjection

1. A brief exclamation, often containing only one word: “Oh!” “Gee!” “Good grief!” “Ouch!”

Derived Forms

• ˌinterˈjectional, adjective
• ˌinterˈjectionally, adverb

Other Words From

• inter·jection·al in·ter·jec·tur·al [in-ter-, jek, -cher-, uh, l], adjective
• inter·jection·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of interjection¹

1400–50; late Middle English interjeccio ( u ) n < Latin interjectiōn- (stem of interjectiō ). See interject, -ion

Example Sentences

But some prospective jurors revealed sensitive information on their own, without any interjection from the judge.

From Seattle Times

Shortly after Mr. Halloran finished reading the passage with his interjections, Ms. Cavanaugh responded, tearfully calling his altering of the passage unnecessary harassment that diminished the integrity of the legislation they were debating.

From New York Times

As Winslow explained — dicing chicken, browning andouille sausage, saving the shrimp for last, so it doesn’t overcook — Harris punctuated his narration with a series of small interjections.

From Los Angeles Times

Not to be forgotten: associate music director and pianist Riley Brule, who transcends the role of accompanist with a few choice interjections and a sight gag involving a pair of moose antlers.

From Seattle Times

Among his interjections Thursday, Carter raised multiple reservations about the nomination of retired Judge Jay C. Gandhi as a monitor to ensure compliance with the agreement.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cry
• exclamation
• expletive
• insertion
• interpolation
• interposition
• shout

More About Interjection

What does interjection mean?

An interjection is a word or phrase that expresses something in a sudden or exclamatory way, especially an emotion. Yikes, uh-oh, ugh, oh boy, and ouch are common examples of interjections.

In grammar, interjections are considered one of the parts of speech (types of words categorized by function, like nouns and verbs and adjectives).

Interjection is the noun form of the verb interject, which most commonly means to interrupt or insert a comment. Interjection can also be used to mean the act or instance of doing so, as in Can I make an interjection?

Example: There was a chorus of angry interjections when the people in the audience heard that their taxes would be going up.

Where does interjection come from?

Use of the word interjection in English actually precedes the use of interject. The first records of interjection come from the 1400s, but interject isn’t recorded until the late 1500s. (Of course, interjections themselves have been used for far longer than that.) Interject comes from the Latin interjicere, meaning “to throw between,” from inter–, “between,” and jacere, “to throw.”

A lot of interjections express feelings, like surprise (whoa, wow), disgust (ew, yuck, ugh), frustration (good grief), or excitement (yay, oh boy). Some interjections express requests or demands, like shh, hush, and ahem. Some indicate pain (ouch) or disappointment or dismay (d’oh). Other interjections are used to react to a realization or something someone has said, like aha, eureka, bingo, and duh. Still others are used to get someone’s attention, like hey and yo.

In grammar, interjections usually stand alone, meaning they are often separate from a sentence, as in Ouch! I stubbed my toe. That’s because they express something all by themselves—they don’t need nouns or verbs to complete the thought.

In more general terms, an interjection is a comment inserted into an ongoing discussion. An interjection can be an interruption, but interjections are a normal part of conversation.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms of interjection?

• interject (verb)
• interjectional (adjective)
• interjectural (adjective)
• interjectionally (adverb)
• interjectory (adjective)
• interjectionalize (verb)

What are some synonyms for interjection?

• exclamation

What are some words that share a root or word element with interjection? 

• object
• trajectory
• projectile

What are some words that often get used in discussing interjection?

• word
• phrase
• shout
• remark
• comment
• emotion
• sudden

How is interjection used in real life?

Even if they don’t know they’re called interjections, people use interjections all the time to express all kinds of different things.

I can't decide what my favorite interjection is: humph, whoops or yowza. If only I could have three favorites.

— Gregg Lopez (@gluvox) December 8, 2012

Can anyone explain to me why so many interjections I use gender-neutrally are intrinsically male? "Man!" "Dude!" "Oh boy!" "Guys!"

Like why interjections?? Why so much implicit gender?? Why???

— Aimee Lucido (@AimeeLucido) December 15, 2017

I've done that thing in a meeting where you make an interjection & people nod sagely while you are talking & subsequently make eye contact with you and smile.

I'm peak adulting now. It can only be a matter of time before I say 'As I said before' & use phrases like 'ipso facto'.

— Graham Peacock (@revgpp) October 29, 2019

 

 

Try using interjection!

Which of the following words is NOT an interjection?

A. yo
B. yay
C. yellow
D. yahoo