Rejoinder

A rejoinder is a response, typically a reply to a reply. It implies a back-and-forth exchange, often in a debate, argument, or formal setting. It is a further answer or response to something that has already been stated in reaction to an initial statement.

More specifically, a rejoinder can refer to:

• A formal reply in a legal setting: In legal proceedings, a rejoinder is a defendant's answer to a plaintiff's replication. It's a specific pleading, usually one step removed from the initial complaint.

• A clever or witty response: Colloquially, a rejoinder can mean a sharp, quick, and often humorous comeback. This usage emphasizes the spontaneity and effectiveness of the response.

• A substantive reply in a debate or discussion: In formal debates or intellectual discussions, a rejoinder is a considered response to a counter-argument, aimed at strengthening one's original position or weakening the opponent's.

The key characteristics of a rejoinder are its reactive nature and its intent to further the discussion or argument. It is not simply any response but a specific response directed at a previous statement.