Repetition: meaning, definitions and examples

General usage when something happens or is done more than once. Often used in learning, routines, or habitual actions.

• Repetition is key to mastering a new skill
• The teacher emphasized the importance of repetition to learn vocabulary

Often used in formal or academic contexts to emphasize something by saying it again, typically to reinforce a point.

• The professor's reiteration of the key points helped the students understand the material better
• Reiteration of the safety guidelines ensured everyone followed the rules

Used when something happens or appears again, especially if it’s not wanted or it’s a negative event, like health issues or problems.

• He was worried about the recurrence of his symptoms
• The recurrence of the same issue became very frustrating for the team

Often carries a negative connotation, implying that something is unnecessary, excessive, or superfluous. Commonly used in professional or technical contexts.

• The document was full of redundancies and needed to be edited for clarity
• The company faced financial difficulties and had to make some positions redundant

Used when talking about something that happens over and over again, often in a predictable manner. It can be in different contexts like music, speech, or habits.

• The teacher emphasized the importance of repetition in learning new vocabulary.
• Repetition of exercises helps in building muscle memory.

Employed when emphasizing the repetition of words or ideas, often in speech or writing to stress a point.

• She made a reiteration of her key arguments during the debate.
• His constant reiteration of safety protocols ensured everyone followed the guidelines.

Used to describe something that happens repeatedly at different times, often suggesting an undesirable or problematic event.

• The recurrence of his illness worried his family.
• There was a recurrence of the software bug that caused the crash.

Typically used to describe a sound that is reflected off a surface and heard again. It can also metaphorically describe something that resembles or reflects something else.

• His voice created an echo in the empty hall.
• The policy changes were an echo of the previous administration's rules.

Use 'repetition' when referring to the act of repeating something, especially for emphasis or clarity. It is often used in educational, musical, and literary contexts to highlight the process of repeating an action or statement.

• Repetition is key to mastering a new language
• The song's catchy repetition made it an instant hit

Use 'reiteration' when emphasizing something by saying it again for clarity or emphasis, often in speeches, written communication, or instruction. It has a slightly formal tone.

• The teacher's reiteration of the rules helped the students understand better
• The politician's reiteration of her key points made her stance clear

Use 'recurrence' when describing something that happens again, especially if it occurs at intervals or periodically. Often used in medical, scientific, or formal contexts.

• The recurrence of his symptoms worried the doctor
• The recurrence of the holiday sale brings in many customers every year

Use 'practice' when talking about the regular performance of an activity to improve skill or proficiency. It applies to sports, arts, academics, and various professional activities.

• He needs more practice to perfect his piano playing
• Weekly practice sessions helped the team improve