Rehear Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rehear

[rɪˈhɪr ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

performance preparation

To rehear means to listen to or consider again, especially in a legal context. It often refers to the process of reviewing a case or testimony to ensure that all aspects have been judged fairly. This can involve going over audio recordings, reviewing evidence, or considering witness accounts anew. The emphasis is typically on the need for clarity or additional insights from previously gathered information.

Synonyms

reassess, reconsider, reexamine, review.

Examples of usage

  • The judge decided to rehear the case after new evidence emerged.
  • They scheduled a rehearing for next week.
  • The committee opted to rehear testimony from the key witnesses.
  • Due to the complications, the board will rehear the previous rulings.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal contexts, rehear refers to a court's reviewing a case or hearing it again due to new evidence or issues raised.
  • This process can be crucial in ensuring justice is served by allowing appeals or reconsiderations.
  • Rehearings can change the outcome of cases dramatically, underscoring the importance of thorough processes in law.

Music

  • Performers often rehear music pieces during practice sessions, allowing them to refine their skills before a performance.
  • This concept of rehearsal is vital in music education, where repetition aids in mastery.
  • Musicians may also rehear previous recordings to critique their performances and improve in future ones.

Cognitive Psychology

  • Listening to something multiple times can enhance memory retention, as our brain strengthens pathways through repeated exposure.
  • Rehearsal techniques, such as auditory or verbal repetition, are often employed in learning methodologies.
  • This repeated listening can improve both comprehension and recall, demonstrating a natural learning strategy.

Film and Theatre

  • In the entertainment industry, rehearsing scenes is essential for actors to deliver convincing performances.
  • Directors often encourage their cast to rehear lines until they not only remember but also embody their characters.
  • Rehearings in theatre can help refine timing, emotion, and interaction, leading to more dynamic storytelling.

Origin of 'rehear'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 're-', a prefix meaning 'again', and 'hear', which comes from Old English 'hyran', meaning 'to perceive sound'.
  • It first appeared in the English language around the late 16th century, reflecting the idea of listening anew.
  • Similar constructions exist in other languages, showing that the concept of 'listening again' is globally understood.

The term 'rehear' combines the prefix 're-', indicating repetition or backward motion, with the verb 'hear', which comes from Old English 'hyran' meaning to listen or attend to. Its usage can be traced back to the legal context, where it signifies the act of listening anew to a case or evidence presented in a court of law. The addition of the 're-' prefix gives the word its specific function of indicating a second or subsequent hearing. The concept of rehearing is essential in various legal systems to ensure fairness and justice, allowing for new evidence or perspectives to be evaluated. Over time, the use of 'rehear' has expanded beyond legal contexts to include any situation where someone needs to listen or review information again, making it a versatile term in modern language.