Dittoing: meaning, definitions and examples
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dittoing
[ ˈdɪtəʊɪŋ ]
repeating action
Dittoing refers to the act of copying or repeating something that has already been said or done. It can denote agreement with a statement, typically expressed informally. The term originated in the context of duplicating text or images, particularly using the ditto mark (〃) to indicate repetition without having to write out the whole word or phrase again. This practice extends beyond written communication into social interactions where individuals express their shared sentiments or actions.
Synonyms
copying, duplicating, mirroring, repeating
Examples of usage
- I agree with your opinion, dittoing your thoughts.
- When she mentioned her favorite movie, I just said 'ditto!'
- He was dittoing everything his friend said during the meeting.
Etymology
The term 'ditto' derives from the Italian word 'detto', which means 'said', and it first appeared in English in the 17th century. Originally used in the context of accounting or bookkeeping to avoid rewriting entries, the word became common in the English lexicon as a way of indicating that something is repeated or is the same as previously mentioned. Over time, ditto evolved into a casual expression to convey agreement or affirmation in conversation. As language evolved, so did the application of ditto in various fields, including education and social interactions, where it serves as a quick way to acknowledge similarities in opinions or actions.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,490, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.