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Prefix inter-

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interject

Interject (verb) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

verb

IPA:

/ˌɪntəˈdʒɛkt/

What does interject mean?

To interrupt a conversation, dialogue, or discourse with a brief and often spontaneous comment, remark, or statement.
"He tried to interject into the conversation, but was repeatedly talked over."

Detailed Meaning of Interject

It is typically used to express a strong opinion or emotion, or to bring up a new point or idea. Interjections can take many forms, including a single word, a phrase, or a full sentence. They can be used to express agreement, disagreement, surprise, excitement, or any other feeling. Interjections are often used in spoken communication, but they can also be found in written texts, such as books, articles, and emails. They are typically placed in the middle of a sentence and set off by punctuation such as an exclamation mark or a comma. Interjections are not necessary in a sentence but they are used to reflect the speaker's or writer's emotions or opinions.

Example Sentences for Interject

1. Before I could finish my statement, Lily had to interject with her opinion.
2. Please don't interject when someone else is speaking; it's disrespectful.
3. I must interject to clarify a misunderstanding here.
4. He tends to interject with irrelevant facts, confusing everyone involved.
5. "If I may interject," said the professor, "this equation actually has a simpler solution."
6. You shouldn't interject when they are discussing such an important issue.
7. The chairman will interject if the discussion goes off topic.

Origin and Etymology of Interject

The verb 'interject' finds its origins in Latin and Middle English. It can be traced back to the Latin word 'interjicere,' which is a combination of 'inter' meaning 'between' or 'among' and 'jacere' meaning 'to throw' or 'to cast.' In Middle English, this term evolved into 'interjecten,' which meant 'to throw or place between.' Over time, its meaning shifted to include the idea of inserting something, such as a comment, into a conversation or discourse. The word 'interject' is now commonly used to describe the act of interrupting a conversation or dialogue with a brief and often spontaneous remark or comment. Its etymology highlights the idea of inserting something into a discussion, aligning with its modern usage.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb interject:

interrupt

observe

heed

listen

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Interject

1. She had a habit of trying to interject humor into tense situations.
2. The news anchor felt the need to interject with a breaking news update.
3. It is impolite to interject during a presentation.
4. If I don't interject now, I may never get a word in.
5. At any point, feel free to interject with your own thoughts.
6. She was about to interject when he abruptly ended his sentence.
7. I hope the instructor won't interject too often during my speech.
8. He could not hold himself back and had to interject with his own comments.
9. It's important to know when to listen and when to interject in a conversation.
10. She decided to interject to add a bit more detail to the story.
11. "May I interject?" John asked, raising his hand.
12. In an academic seminar, students are encouraged to interject with their own insights.
13. To interject at the right moment can turn the tide of a discussion.