counterword

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. 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.
  2. Such a word (or a word that has gone through a similar change) when not used as a reflex-like answer.

Word forms

counterword counterwords

Etymology

From counter- + word.

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