Repertoire: meaning, definitions and examples

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repertoire

 

[ˈrɛpərtwɑːr ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in music

A list of pieces or plays that a performer or company is prepared to perform.

Synonyms

collection, range, selection.

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Word Description / Examples
repertoire

Already included.

collection

This word is commonly used to describe a group of similar items that someone gathers, often systematically. It can refer to both physical objects and abstract items like stories or memories.

  • He has an impressive collection of vintage cars.
  • Her collection of rare books is quite valuable.
range

Range often refers to the extent or variety of something, encompassing a spread or scope of items, abilities, or qualities. It emphasizes breadth over specificity.

  • The university offers a wide range of courses.
  • His vocal range is very impressive, hitting both high and low notes easily.
selection

Used to describe a chosen set of items from a larger pool, this term implies the act of picking or the available choices. It emphasizes choice and variety within a curated set.

  • The supermarket has a good selection of fresh vegetables.
  • We tasted a selection of fine wines at the festival.

Examples of usage

  • He has an extensive repertoire of classical music.
  • The theater company has a diverse repertoire of Shakespearean plays.
Context #2 | Noun

in general

A stock of skills or types of behavior that a person habitually uses.

Synonyms

arsenal, bank, inventory.

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Word Description / Examples
repertoire

As mentioned earlier, used in performing arts and professional skills contexts. Repeated for completeness.

  • The comedian's repertoire includes jokes from various decades.
  • Her repertoire of recipes makes her a fantastic chef.
inventory

Used mainly in contexts involving businesses or physical goods, referring to a complete list of items in stock or available for use. It is also used in gaming to describe the collection of items a player has.

  • The store is taking inventory to update their stock levels.
  • The game requires players to manage their inventory carefully.
arsenal

Often used to describe a collection of weapons or tools, implying a strategic or powerful set of items. It can also refer to someone's range of skills or resources available for a specific purpose.

  • The team has an impressive arsenal of training programs.
  • He added new tricks to his arsenal to improve his performance.
bank

Commonly refers to a reserve or collection of something valuable or useful. It may relate to resources, knowledge, or data stored for future use. Often used in a non-physical sense.

  • The scientist has a vast bank of knowledge in molecular biology.
  • They have a bank of questions prepared for the interview.

Examples of usage

  • She added new recipes to her culinary repertoire.
  • His repertoire of jokes always makes everyone laugh.
Context #3 | Noun

in dance

The skills and techniques of a dancer.

Synonyms

moves, skills, techniques.

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Word Description / Examples
repertoire

This word is often used to describe the range of skills or abilities a person or group has, especially in the arts, such as music, theater, or dance.

  • The pianist's repertoire includes pieces from classical to contemporary music.
  • The actor's repertoire of roles is impressively diverse.
skills

This word is used for the ability to do something well, often as a result of practice or special knowledge. It can be used in numerous contexts such as professional, academic, or personal development.

  • She has excellent communication skills.
  • His programming skills were crucial for the project’s success.
techniques

This word refers to the specific methods or approaches used to accomplish a task, particularly in fields like art, science, or technology. It suggests a more structured or sophisticated approach.

  • The artist used a unique technique to create the painting.
  • He mastered various techniques to improve his efficiency at work.
moves

This word is usually used to describe a specific action or series of actions, often in sports, dance, or strategy games. It can also refer to decisions in a strategic context.

  • The chess player surprised everyone with his unexpected moves.
  • She practiced her dance moves for hours every day.

Examples of usage

  • The ballet dancer has an impressive repertoire of movements.
  • She showcased her diverse dance repertoire in the performance.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'repertoire' comes from the French 'répertoire', meaning 'a list' or 'inventory'.
  • It originally referred to the stock of items available for performance or use, particularly in theater and music.
  • In the late 19th century, its meaning expanded to include the variety of skills or knowledge an individual possesses.

Theater and Music

  • Actors and musicians often have a 'repertoire' that defines their range of roles or pieces they can perform.
  • Some theaters will schedule performances based on the repertoire of the actors, showcasing their strengths and popular works.
  • Repertoire can also change over time, adapting to new styles or audience preferences.

Psychology

  • In psychology, having a diverse repertoire of skills can enhance problem-solving abilities and adaptability to new situations.
  • A broader repertoire is linked to greater resilience, as individuals can draw on various skills in times of stress.
  • Studies suggest that learning new skills can expand one’s repertoire, leading to improved cognitive flexibility.

Education

  • In educational systems, a student's repertoire refers to their learned skills across subjects, influencing their academic opportunities.
  • Teachers often encourage students to expand their repertoire by engaging them in different subjects and extracurricular activities.
  • A well-rounded education aims to develop a versatile repertoire, preparing students for various life paths.

Cultural Influence

  • Cultural traditions often contribute to a community's repertoire, encompassing music, dance, and storytelling unique to that group.
  • In cultural festivals, various repertoires may be showcased, allowing for an exchange of artistic expressions between communities.
  • The preservation of a cultural repertoire is vital for maintaining heritage and identity within diverse societies.

Translations

Translations of the word "repertoire" in other languages:

🇵🇹 repertório

🇮🇳 प्रदर्शन सूची

🇩🇪 Repertoire

🇮🇩 repertoar

🇺🇦 репертуар

🇵🇱 repertuar

🇯🇵 レパートリー (repaatorii)

🇫🇷 répertoire

🇪🇸 repertorio

🇹🇷 repertuar

🇰🇷 레퍼토리 (lepeotori)

🇸🇦 ذخيرة

🇨🇿 repertoár

🇸🇰 repertoár

🇨🇳 曲目 (qǔmù)

🇸🇮 repertoar

🇮🇸 lagaskrá

🇰🇿 репертуар

🇬🇪 რეპერტუარი (reper'tuari)

🇦🇿 repertuar

🇲🇽 repertorio

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,529, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.