Repetition: meaning, definitions and examples

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repetition

[ˌrɛpɪˈtɪʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

memory

The action of repeating something that has already been said or written. Repetition is often used in speeches or writing to emphasize a point or to make it more memorable.

Synonyms

recurrence, redundancy, reiteration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
repetition	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
reiteration	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
recurrence	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
redundancy	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

Examples of usage

The repetition of the phrase 'I have a dream' in Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous speech.
The teacher used repetition to help the students remember the new vocabulary words.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

music

The repeating of a musical phrase or section. Repetition is a common technique used in music composition to create patterns or structure within a piece.

Synonyms

echo, recurrence, reiteration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
repetition	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.
reiteration	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.
recurrence	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.
echo	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.

Examples of usage

The song had a catchy chorus that used repetition of the main melody.
The composer used repetition of the theme throughout the symphony.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

psychology

The recurrence of a thought or behavior. Repetition is often seen as a key component in learning and memory formation.

Synonyms

practice, recurrence, reiteration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
repetition	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
reiteration	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
recurrence	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
practice	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

Examples of usage

The therapist encouraged the patient to practice positive affirmations as a form of repetition.
The child showed improvement in spelling through repetition of the words.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'repetitio', which means 'to go back' or 'to repeat'.
It entered English in the late 14th century, originally used mainly in a formal context.

Psychology

Repetition is crucial for memory; the more you hear or see something, the more likely you are to remember it.
In educational settings, spaced repetition—revisiting material at intervals—proves to enhance long-term retention significantly.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'practice makes perfect' illustrates how repetition can lead to skill improvement, often seen in musicians and athletes.
Many popular songs use repetition in their lyrics to create catchy hooks that stay in listeners' minds.

Literature

Repetition is a common device in poetry, helping to emphasize a theme or emotion, as seen in works by poets like Walt Whitman.
Authors, like Yann Martel in 'Life of Pi', also use repetition to reinforce significant ideas or moments in their narratives.

Education

Learning through repetition is known as rote learning, which can be effective for memorizing facts and figures.
In language learning, repetitively practicing vocabulary helps in achieving fluency, making it easier to recall words.

Translations

Translations of the word "repetition" in other languages:

🇵🇹 repetição

🇮🇳 पुनरावृत्ति

🇩🇪 Wiederholung

🇮🇩 pengulangan

🇺🇦 повторення

🇵🇱 powtarzanie

🇯🇵 繰り返し (くりかえし)

🇫🇷 répétition

🇪🇸 repetición

🇹🇷 tekrar

🇰🇷 반복 (반복)

🇸🇦 تكرار

🇨🇿 opakování

🇸🇰 opakovanie

🇨🇳 重复 (chóngfù)

🇸🇮 ponavljanje

🇮🇸 endurtekning

🇰🇿 қайталау

🇬🇪 გამეორება

🇦🇿 təkrarlama

🇲🇽 repetición

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,756 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5753 complainant
5754 refuge
5755 dish
5756 repetition
5757 slightest
5758 honorable
5759 loyal
...