rejoinder
C1/C2formal, literary
Definition
Meaning
a reply, especially a sharp or witty one.
A formal answer or response to a reply made by the other side in a legal pleading.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily denotes a quick, clever, or sharp retort. In legal contexts, it is a specific, formal pleading.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used identically in meaning and register in both varieties. The legal usage is more common in jurisdictions with common law systems (e.g., UK, US, Canada).
Connotations
Connotes wit, sharpness, and formality. Not typically used for casual replies.
Frequency
Low-frequency in everyday speech; more common in formal writing, debate, and legal contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] made a sharp rejoinder to [object/noun phrase][Subject] had no rejoinder for [object/noun phrase]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[To be] lost for a rejoinder”
- “A rejoinder on the tip of one's tongue”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in formal negotiations: 'The CEO's rejoinder to the takeover bid was swift and decisive.'
Academic
Used in literary analysis, rhetoric, and debate: 'The critic's rejoinder challenged the author's central thesis.'
Everyday
Very rare. Would sound overly formal or pretentious in casual conversation.
Technical
Specific, formal term in law for a defendant's answer to the plaintiff's replication.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The barrister will now have an opportunity to rejoin.
American English
- Counsel for the defense will now rejoin.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She had a quick reply to his question.
- He was ready with a sharp retort to her criticism.
- Her witty rejoinder silenced the heckler and drew applause from the audience.
- The defendant's legal team filed a formal rejoinder to the plaintiff's latest allegations.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'RE-join' (to join the conversation again) + 'der' → a reply that joins back into the debate.
Conceptual Metaphor
VERBAL CONFLICT IS PHYSICAL COMBAT (a 'rejoinder' is a counter-strike in conversation).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не 'радость' (радость = joy).
- Не 'повторное соединение'.
- Ближе по значению к 'возражение', 'отповедь', 'реплика' (острая).
Common Mistakes
- Using it for any simple reply.
- Misspelling as 'rejoiner'.
- Incorrect pronunciation: /riːˈdʒɔɪndər/.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'rejoinder' most appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word used primarily in literary, rhetorical, and legal contexts.
It would sound very formal or pretentious. Words like 'reply,' 'response,' or 'comeback' are more natural for everyday use.
A 'rejoinder' implies a quick, clever, or sharp response, often within an argument or debate. A 'reply' is a more general, neutral term for any answer.
The related verb is 'rejoin' (pronounced /rɪˈdʒɔɪn/), which means 'to say something in reply, especially sharply or wittily.'