interject
in-ter-JEKT
/ˌɪntərˈdʒɛkt/
To insert a remark or comment abruptly between other things, especially during a conversation.
Implies a sudden, brief insertion of words into an ongoing dialogue, often to add a quick point without completely derailing the conversation.
The story behind the word. Literally meaning 'to throw between,' interject comes from the Latin 'interjectus,' the past participle of 'interjicere.' It paints a vivid mental picture of tossing a verbal pebble into the middle of someone else's stream of words.
Word relationships
- interpolate: Interpolate is more formal and often refers to inserting text or data into a document rather than speaking.
- interrupt: Interrupt is broader and can mean stopping an action entirely, whereas interject specifically refers to throwing in a verbal remark.
- withdraw: To take back or remove a statement rather than inserting one.
- listen: To remain silent and absorb information rather than cutting in.
Commonly confused with
- interfere: Interfere implies meddling or causing a negative obstruction, whereas interject is simply inserting a verbal comment.
Word family
- interjection (noun): An abrupt remark or exclamation.
- interjector (noun): A person who interjects.
Collocations
- interject a comment
- interject a question
- hastily interject
Example sentences
- ""I must interject," she said, raising her hand to stop the flow of his rapid explanation." A classic literary dialogue where a character cuts in with a brief remark.
Memory hook
Think of a 'reject' being 'thrown' out, but an 'interject' is 'thrown' 'in between' a conversation. Throw a word in between.
When not to use
Do not use when someone is giving a long, formal speech or presentation without interruption; use 'present' or 'deliver' instead.
Fun facts
- In grammar, an 'interjection' is a part of speech (like 'Ouch!' or 'Wow!') that is grammatically independent from the rest of the sentence.
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