Inject vs. Interject — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 16, 2024
Inject involves introducing a substance into something else, typically using a syringe, while interject means to interrupt a conversation with a sudden or abrupt remark.
Difference Between Inject and Interject
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Key Differences
Inject primarily refers to the action of inserting a liquid, especially by using a syringe, into a body or substance. This term is often used in medical contexts, such as administering vaccines or medications. On the other hand, interject is used in verbal communication contexts, where someone interrupts a conversation or discussion with a sudden comment or statement, often to introduce a new idea or opinion.
Inject can also imply introducing something new or different into an area where it was not previously found, such as injecting new ideas into a debate. Whereas interject still maintains its focus on the conversational aspect, it might involve throwing in an unexpected joke or a contrary opinion to spice up or shift the direction of the discourse.
In another sense, inject might be used metaphorically to mean revitalizing something with new life or energy, as in injecting enthusiasm into a team. On the other hand, interject could be used when someone needs to insert a critical or corrective note in a discussion, potentially altering the flow or outcome of the conversation.
Inject involves a physical or metaphorical insertion that is typically planned and deliberate, aiming to add or administer something necessary or beneficial. Whereas interject is more about spontaneous or impulsive insertions into conversations, often driven by immediate reactions or thoughts.
Inject is often associated with a sense of necessity or urgency, particularly in medical or crisis scenarios, such as injecting funds into a failing economy. Conversely, interject tends to carry a lighter or less crucial connotation, focusing more on the dynamics of interaction and the introduction of immediate thoughts or reactions without premeditation.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Usage
Introduce a substance into another
Interrupt with a comment
Context
Medical, financial, technological
Conversational
Connotation
Necessity, urgency
Spontaneity, interruption
Metaphorical Use
Revitalize, energize something
Insert an immediate thought or correction
Communication Involvement
Minimal, unless metaphorical
High, primarily verbal
Compare with Definitions
Inject
To insert monetary or other resources into something to support it.
The government plans to inject more funds into renewable energy projects.
Interject
To interrupt the flow of a conversation with a sudden statement.
She interjected with a correction to the speaker’s facts.
Inject
To introduce new ideas or energy into a situation or group.
We need to inject some creativity into our team meetings.
Interject
To say something abruptly, especially as an aside or interruption.
She interjected a funny comment during the serious meeting.
Inject
To introduce a liquid substance into a body using a syringe.
The doctor will inject the vaccine into the upper arm.
Interject
To introduce a remark into a conversation without fitting into the current topic.
Can I interject a quick note?
Inject
To administer a drug or other substance into something.
Certain machines automatically inject insulin when needed.
Interject
To insert between other things or parts of a conversation.
He likes to interject with amusing anecdotes.
Inject
To introduce something new or different into something else.
The director decided to inject some humor into the script.
Interject
To throw in between or among other things; to interpose.
He often interjects irrelevant facts into discussions.
Inject
To force or drive (a fluid) into something
Inject fuel into an engine cylinder.
Inject air into a liquid mixture.
Interject
To say or mention suddenly, often in interrupting the remarks of another
"I disagree," she interjected.
Inject
To introduce (a drug or vaccine, for example) into a body part, especially by means of a syringe.
Interject
To insert between other elements; interpose
Interjected some new images into the presentation.
Inject
To treat by means of injection
Injected the patient with digitalis.
Interject
To assert (oneself) in a situation in which one has not previously been involved.
Inject
To introduce into conversation or consideration
Tried to inject a note of humor into the negotiations.
Interject
(transitive) To insert something between other things.
Inject
To place into circulation
Inject money into the economy.
Interject
(transitive) To say as an interruption or aside.
Inject
To place into an orbit or trajectory
Inject a satellite into geosynchronous orbit.
Interject
(intransitive) To interpose oneself; to intervene.
Inject
(Physics) To cause (a beam of particles, for example) to strike a target.
Interject
To throw in between; to insert; to interpose.
Inject
(transitive) To push or pump (something, especially fluids) into a cavity or passage.
The nurse injected a painkilling drug into the veins of my forearm.
Interject
To throw one's self between or among; to come between; to interpose.
Inject
(transitive) To introduce (something) suddenly or violently.
Punk injected a much-needed sense of urgency into the British music scene.
Interject
To insert between other elements;
She interjected clever remarks
Inject
(intransitive) To take or be administered something by means of injection, especially medicine or drugs.
It's been a week since I stopped injecting, and I'm still in withdrawal.
Inject
To introduce (code) into an existing program or its memory space, often without tight integration and sometimes through a security vulnerability.
Inject
To cast or throw; used with on.
Inject
To introduce or add (something that is different or foreign).
Inject something into orbit
Inject some spice into my life.
Inject
To throw in; to dart in; to force in; as, to inject cold water into a condenser; to inject a medicinal liquid into a cavity of the body; to inject morphine with a hypodermic syringe.
Inject
Fig.: To throw; to offer; to propose; to instill.
Cæsar also, then hatching tyranny, injected the same scrupulous demurs.
Inject
To cast or throw; - with on.
And mound inject on mound.
Inject
To add in; to insert; to interject; as, to inject a comment into the conversation; to inject humor into a tense situation.
Inject
Give an injection to;
We injected the glucose into the patient's vein
Inject
To introduce (a new aspect or element);
He injected new life into the performance
Inject
Force or drive (a fluid or gas) into by piercing;
Inject hydrogen into the balloon
Inject
Take by injection;
Inject heroin
Inject
Feed intravenously
Inject
To insert between other elements;
She interjected clever remarks
Common Curiosities
What is the difference between interjecting and interrupting?
Interjecting specifically refers to inserting remarks into a conversation, often without altering its course, whereas interrupting may involve completely stopping the ongoing conversation.
How do people use the term interject in conversations?
People use interject to describe a sudden or abrupt comment introduced into a conversation.
What does it mean to inject a substance?
Injecting a substance means introducing it into something else, typically using a syringe.
Can inject be used in non-medical contexts?
Yes, inject can be used metaphorically in various contexts to mean revitalizing or energizing.
Can inject be used figuratively?
Yes, it can be used figuratively to mean introducing something needed or beneficial into a system or group.
What are typical situations where someone might interject?
Typical situations include meetings, discussions, or casual conversations where someone might want to offer a quick response or correction.
How does interject differ in formal and informal settings?
In formal settings, interjecting might be more restrained and relevant to the topic, whereas in informal settings, it can be more frequent and varied.
Is it appropriate to interject in any conversation?
Appropriateness depends on the context and the nature of the conversation; sometimes it’s welcome, other times it might be considered rude.
Is interject always a verbal action?
Yes, interject is primarily a verbal action, involving speaking or inserting comments.
In what ways can inject be used in technology?
In technology, injecting might refer to introducing code or data into a system, often to alter or improve functionality.
Why would someone inject humor into a speech?
Injecting humor is often done to lighten the atmosphere and engage the audience more effectively.
How does interjecting affect a conversation?
Interjecting can either enrich a conversation by adding new perspectives or disrupt it if done excessively or inappropriately.
What does it mean to inject funds?
To inject funds means to put money into a project or organization to support or revitalize it.
What kind of impact does interjecting have on group dynamics?
Interjecting can influence group dynamics by either adding value through insightful comments or causing disruptions.
What should someone consider before deciding to interject?
One should consider the relevance of their comment, the flow of the conversation, and the potential impact of their interjection.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
