Recapitulate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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recapitulate
[rษชหkรฆpษชหtสuหleษชt ]
Definitions
formal
To summarize and restate the main points of something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| recapitulate |
Formal and academic contexts where summarizing is needed without omitting key details.
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| summarize |
Everyday, non-formal settings where providing a brief overview or main points of a larger set of information is needed.
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| review |
General contexts where examining or going over information or experiences is required, such as preparing for an exam or assessing performance.
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| restate |
When you need to say something again in different words to clarify or emphasize a point, especially in conversation or writing.
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Examples of usage
- Let me recapitulate the main findings of our research.
- Could you recapitulate the key points of the presentation for me?
biology
To briefly repeat the stages of embryonic development during a later stage.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| recapitulate |
Ideal for academic or formal settings to summarize main points or key information briefly.
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| repeat |
Commonly used in everyday language to say or do something again.
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| reiterate |
Best for emphasizing a point or insisting on something you have already mentioned.
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| reproduce |
Used in technical or scientific settings to mean creating a copy or duplicate of something, such as an experiment or artwork.
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Examples of usage
- During the lecture, the professor will recapitulate the process of cell division in detail.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In biology, the term is used to describe the phenomenon where organisms go through stages of development that reflect earlier forms, like how embryos show features of their ancestors.
- Recapitulation theory, proposed by German zoologist Ernst Haeckel, famously claimed 'ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny,' suggesting that individual development mirrors the evolutionary history.
Education
- Teachers frequently recapitulate lessons to ensure that students understand the material before moving on to new topics, enhancing retention.
- Recapitulation during teaching helps reinforce learning by connecting new information to previously learned concepts.
Pop Culture
- Film and television often use recapitulation techniques to remind audiences of important plot points, especially in longer series.
- In music, composers often recapitulate themes to evoke emotions and reinforce the structure of their compositions.
Literature
- Authors sometimes recapitulate earlier chapters in their narratives to refresh a readerโs memory before introducing new twists.
- This technique helps create a deeper understanding of character development or themes, making the storyline more interconnected.
Origin of 'recapitulate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'recapitulare,' which means 'to summarize' and is formed from 're-' (again) and 'caput' (head).
- In medieval texts, it referred to the summary or headings indicating sections of work, highlighting its long-standing use in academic contexts.
The word 'recapitulate' comes from the Latin word 'recapitulare', which means 'to sum up' or 'to repeat in brief'. The term has been used in various contexts, from formal presentations to biological discussions, to convey the idea of summarizing or reiterating key points. The concept of recapitulation in biology refers to the theory that the stages of embryonic development repeat the evolutionary history of the species. Overall, 'recapitulate' is a versatile word with roots in Latin that has been adapted into modern English usage.
See also: capitulation.