counterreply: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “counterreply” mean?
A reply made in response to a previous reply, continuing a sequence of argument or discussion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A reply made in response to a previous reply, continuing a sequence of argument or discussion.
A formal or written answer given to challenge, refute, or add to an initial reply. It often appears in legal, academic, or formal debate contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. Slightly more common in UK legal and parliamentary discourse.
Connotations
Formal, procedural, often adversarial.
Frequency
Rare in both varieties; slightly higher frequency in British legal texts.
Grammar
How to Use “counterreply” in a Sentence
N + to + N (counterreply to the claimant's reply)V + a + N (submit a counterreply)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “counterreply” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The barrister will counterreply to the defence's latest points tomorrow.
- He counterreplied with surprising alacrity.
American English
- The attorney counterreplied to the plaintiff's motion.
- They are expected to counterreply in writing by Friday.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjectival use]
American English
- [No standard adjectival use]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in formal contract disputes or detailed email exchanges.
Academic
Used in philosophical or legal journal debates where point-by-point refutation is required.
Everyday
Extremely rare; 'comeback' or 'response' is preferred.
Technical
Common in law (especially civil procedure), formal debate, and parliamentary procedure.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “counterreply”
- Using it for a first response (instead of 'reply').
- Misspelling as 'counter-reply' (though hyphen is sometimes used).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly found as one word ('counterreply'), though the hyphenated form ('counter-reply') is also seen, especially in older texts.
In very formal sequences (like old common law pleading), a 'surrejoinder' follows a counterreply (or 'rejoinder').
It would sound very formal and possibly pretentious. Words like 'response', 'comeback', or 'answer' are far more natural for casual speech.
A 'reply' is a response to an initial statement or question. A 'counterreply' is specifically a response to that initial reply, making it the third move in the exchange.
A reply made in response to a previous reply, continuing a sequence of argument or discussion.
Counterreply is usually formal in register.
Counterreply: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkaʊn.tə.rɪˈplaɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkaʊn.t̬ɚ.rɪˌplaɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tennis match: a serve (statement), a return (reply), and then a volley (COUNTER-reply).
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS WAR / A DUEL (exchanging verbal 'shots' in sequence).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'counterreply' MOST appropriately used?