interj.

Writing & Everyday abbreviation · Grammar and Dictionary

interj.
Stands forInterjection
CategoriesWriting & Everyday

interj. stands for Interjection, a grammar and dictionary abbreviation.

Labels an exclamatory word or phrase that expresses emotion or reaction and stands apart grammatically from the rest of the sentence, such as "ouch," "wow" or "alas."

Example: alas (interj.) used to express sorrow, regret or pity, now mostly literary or humorous

Usage notes

Oxford's current dictionaries prefer the label "exclamation." Interjections are usually followed by an exclamation mark or comma, and greetings like "hello" and responses like "yes" are often classed with them. Some interjections break the normal sound patterns of English, such as "tsk" and "shh," which have no vowel at all.

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