Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
counterword. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
counterword, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
counterword in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
counterword you have here. The definition of the word
counterword will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
counterword, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
From counter- + word.
Noun
counterword (plural counterwords)
- A word (for example so) that is frequently used in a reflex-like manner in an answer and that has thereby quickly taken on a new, much less specific or much looser meaning or is even almost meaningless and performs a completely new function.
- Such a word (or a word that has gone through a similar change) when not used as a reflex-like answer.
Usage notes
Since such change occurs much more rapidly than the change in meaning all words go through, and since such words are even sometimes still simultaneously used in their original sense, the new usage is often considered incorrect by some speakers. Other examples include nice, terrific, terrible, awful, tremendous, and swell.