back-and-forthing

noun

back-and-forth·​ing ¦bak-ən(d)-ˈfȯr-thiŋ How to pronounce back-and-forthing (audio)
: the exchange of ideas through discussion or debate
… Friday's back-and-forthing had produced an acceptance in principle of 7-of-9 items of dispute.Dick Shippy, Miami Herald, 17 July 1988
Stratfor's briefs don't sound like the usual Washington back-and-forthing, whereby agencies avoid dramatic declarations on the chance they might be wrong.Sam C. Gwynne, Time, 25 Jan. 1999

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back-and-forthing was in 1930

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Cite this Entry

“Back-and-forthing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back-and-forthing. Accessed 22 Mar. 2023.

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