WORD OF THE DAY: Rejoinder
[rə-JOIN-dər]
Part of speech: noun
Origin: Late Middle English, late 15th century
Definition: A reply, especially a sharp or witty one; (Law, dated) A defendant’s answer to the plaintiff’s reply or replication.
Examples of rejoinder in a sentence
“I always think up the perfect rejoinder hours later in the tub.”
“The court fell silent, waiting for the defendant’s rejoinder.”
About Rejoinder
This word developed in Late Middle English by way of the Anglo-Norman French word “rejoindre” (to reunite something again).
Did you Know?
Continually find yourself practicing comebacks hours later? If so, it’s time to work on your rejoinder skills. According to the BBC, one of the ways to craft a witty comeback is to work on your listening skills. By listening precisely and actively to conversations — as well as by utilizing humans’ ability to think faster than they speak — it becomes easier to quickly form a well-timed, snappy reply the next time your friend pokes some fun at you.
