counterblast: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal
Quick answer
What does “counterblast” mean?
A forceful public reply or rebuttal, especially in speech or writing, that is intended to counter an opposing argument.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A forceful public reply or rebuttal, especially in speech or writing, that is intended to counter an opposing argument.
Any vigorous, loud, or explosive response designed to overwhelm or negate a preceding statement, accusation, or trend.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is recognized and used in both varieties, but it is relatively rare. Its usage may be slightly more established in British English due to historical literary and political contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes a formal, dated, or literary polemic. It may sound somewhat archaic or intentionally dramatic.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. More likely encountered in historical texts, high-level political commentary, or academic analysis of rhetoric.
Grammar
How to Use “counterblast” in a Sentence
[Subject] issued a counterblast to [accusation/argument/publication]The minister's speech was a counterblast against [policy/critics/trend]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “counterblast” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Prime Minister felt compelled to counterblast the allegations made in the press.
- He counterblasted his critics in a fiery party conference speech.
American English
- The senator counterblasted the administration's policy in a lengthy floor speech.
- The editorial counterblasted the claims made by the opposing think tank.
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable]
American English
- [Not applicable]
adjective
British English
- [Word is not used as a standard adjective. Use adjectival phrases like 'counterblast pamphlet'.]
American English
- [Word is not used as a standard adjective. Use adjectival phrases like 'counterblast rhetoric'.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically in a competitive context: 'The CEO's memo was a counterblast to the negative press about the company's ethics.'
Academic
Used in historical, political, or literary studies to describe formal polemical responses, e.g., 'More's Utopia was in part a counterblast to the political theories of Machiavelli.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “counterblast”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “counterblast”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “counterblast”
- Using it to mean a simple 'counterargument' without the forceful, public element.
- Confusing it with 'backlash', which is a broader adverse reaction, not necessarily a directed reply.
- Using it in an informal context where it sounds unnatural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, formal word primarily found in historical, political, or literary contexts.
Yes, but its verbal use is even rarer than its noun form. It means 'to deliver a counterblast'.
A 'counterblast' is a specific type of rebuttal that is notably forceful, public, and often dramatic or polemical in tone. All counterblasts are rebuttals, but not all rebuttals are counterblasts.
Only metaphorically. The '-blast' part originates from the idea of a forceful blast of wind or sound, used here to metaphorically describe the power of the verbal response.
A forceful public reply or rebuttal, especially in speech or writing, that is intended to counter an opposing argument.
Counterblast is usually formal in register.
Counterblast: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkaʊntəblɑːst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkaʊn(t)ərˌblæst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms for this lexical item]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COUNTER argument that hits like a BLAST of wind or sound—forceful and designed to push back.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS WAR / COMMUNICATION IS PROJECTILE. The word frames a verbal response as an explosive projectile fired back at an opponent.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'counterblast' MOST appropriately used?