Repeating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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repeating

[rษชหˆpiหtษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a learning context

Say or do something again, especially for emphasis or clarity.

Synonyms

echo, recapitulate, reiterate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
repeating

Use this word when talking about doing something again and again. It can be for actions, tasks, or spoken words.

  • She kept repeating his name until he answered.
  • The teacher is repeating the instructions so everyone understands.
reiterate

Use this word when you want to emphasize a point by saying it again, often for clarity or emphasis. It is common in formal or serious contexts.

  • Let me reiterate, this project must be completed by next Friday.
  • The CEO reiterated the companyโ€™s commitment to sustainability.
recapitulate

This word is formal and used when summarizing key points, especially at the end of a discussion or presentation.

  • To recapitulate, our main goals are to increase sales and improve customer satisfaction.
  • He recapitulated the findings of the research in his concluding remarks.
echo

This word often describes sound reflecting off surfaces and being heard again, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe similar actions, statements, or sentiments being reflected or repeated.

  • The sound of his footsteps echoed in the empty hallway.
  • Her speech echoed the sentiments of the entire community.

Examples of usage

  • He kept repeating the same mistake over and over again.
  • Please repeat after me: 'I am confident and capable.'
Context #2 | Adjective

describing a pattern

Occurring or done over and over again; repetitive.

Synonyms

cyclical, recurring, repetitive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
repeating

Used when talking about something that happens again and again, especially within a short period of time.

  • The annoying beeping sound was repeating every few seconds.
  • She kept repeating the same instructions.
recurring

Used to describe events or situations that happen periodically or over and over, but not necessarily in quick succession.

  • She has recurring nightmares about the accident.
  • His recurring back pain makes it hard to work.
repetitive

Used in situations where an action or process repeats in a way that can become monotonous or boring. Sometimes has a negative connotation.

  • The job involves a lot of repetitive tasks like data entry.
  • Listening to the same song on loop can be repetitive.
cyclical

Used in situations involving events or processes that occur in cycles, often over a longer period of time.

  • The economy goes through cyclical phases of growth and recession.
  • Seasonal changes are cyclical in nature.

Examples of usage

  • The song had a repeating chorus that got stuck in my head.
  • She couldn't stand the repeating cycle of arguments with her partner.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Repetition is a vital technique in learning, as it helps reinforce memory through practice and recall.
  • The 'spacing effect' shows that spreading out practice over time leads to better retention than cramming.
  • Studies reveal that repeating information in different contexts can enhance understanding and long-term memorization.

Pop Culture

  • Catchy songs often use repetition in lyrics to make them memorable, like choruses that stick in your mind.
  • In films, a repeated phrase or scene can emphasize a character's emotional journey or highlight a central theme.
  • Popular memes often play on repetition, using a phrase multiple times to create humor or impact.

Music

  • Repetition in music involves repeating themes and motifs, a technique used by composers throughout history.
  • Many musical genres, including pop and hip-hop, rely on repetitive beats and lyrics to keep listeners engaged.
  • The structure of songs often follows a format of verse-chorus-verse, using repetition to build familiarity.

Education

  • Teachers often use repetition in classrooms to reinforce learning and help students remember important information.
  • Repetitive practices like flashcards or drills are common in language learning to build vocabulary retention.
  • Gamification in educational apps uses repetition as a strategy to create a fun and engaging learning environment.

Origin of 'repeating'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin verb 'repetere', which means 'to go back' or 'to do again'.
  • In ancient times, many cultures used repetition in songs and stories to make them easier to remember.
  • Middle English adopted the term around the 14th century, where it began to take on its modern form.

The word 'repeating' originates from the verb 'repeat,' which comes from the Old French 'repetir' and the Latin 'repetere,' meaning 'do or say again.' The concept of repeating or doing something again has been fundamental to human learning and communication throughout history. Whether in education, music, or daily life, the act of repeating plays a crucial role in reinforcing knowledge and patterns.


See also: repeatability, repeatable, repeated, repeatedly, repeater, repetition, repetitious, repetitive.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,374 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.