Recapitulated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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recapitulated

[หŒriหkรฆpษชหˆtjuหleษชtษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

summary review

Recapitulated means to summarize or restate the main points of something, often in a concise manner. It is frequently used in academic and formal contexts where a review or reiteration of previous information is necessary. This process helps to reinforce understanding and retention of the material. Recapitulation is crucial in various fields including education, science, and literature.

Synonyms

reiterated, restated, reviewed, summarized.

Examples of usage

  • The professor recapitulated the main findings of the research.
  • In the conclusion, he recapitulated the arguments made throughout the essay.
  • She recapitulated the events of the meeting for everyone who missed it.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, recapitulation refers to the theory that an organism's development (ontogeny) follows the same progression as its evolutionary history (phylogeny).
  • This led to the phrase 'ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny', though it has been largely discredited in modern biology.
  • Some scientists use recapitulated structures to study genetic patterns of evolution.

Literature

  • In storytelling, to recapitulate is often used towards the end of a narrative to summarize key events or themes.
  • Many authors utilize recapitulation in their works to reinforce important messages or character lessons.
  • In essays and articles, a recapitulation helps readers remember the main arguments made throughout the text.

Psychology

  • Recapitulation can be an important tool in education for reinforcing learning by summarizing information.
  • It allows individuals to solidify their understanding and make connections to what theyโ€™ve learned previously.
  • Teachers often encourage students to recapitulate what theyโ€™ve learned to aid memory retention.

Pop Culture

  • In movie discussions, it's common to recapitulate the plot before diving into deeper analysis.
  • Many TV shows recap previous episodes to help audiences remember key events and characters' backstories.
  • Recaps on social media platforms allow fans to share thoughts and insights about upcoming storylines.

Origin of 'recapitulated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'recapitulare', which means 'to go over the main heads again'.
  • Its roots 'capitulum' means 'little head', suggesting a summary of important points.
  • 'Recap' is a familiar and informal abbreviation of 'recapitulated'.

The word 'recapitulated' derives from the Latin term 'recapitulari', which means 'to go back over the heads', with 're-' denoting 'back' and 'capitulum' meaning 'small head' or 'section'. This etymology reflects the act of summarizing information by breaking it down into its main points or 'heads'. The term began to be used in English around the mid-17th century, primarily within academic and scientific discourse. Over the years, 'recapitulation' has found its way into various fields, such as biology, where it refers to the theory that the development of an organism reflects the adult forms of its evolutionary ancestors. The verb 'recapitulated' emphasizes both the repetition and the summarization aspects, making it a valuable term in discussions that require clarification and conciseness.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,314, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.