Repetitious: meaning, definitions and examples

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repetitious

[rɪˈpɛtɪʃəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in speech or writing

characterized by unnecessary repetition of words or ideas

Synonyms

cyclical, redundant, reiterative, repetitive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
repetitious	Used to describe something that is repeated excessively in a way that might be boring or monotonous. Often has a negative connotation. The repetitious nature of the speeches made the audience lose interest. Her writing style was criticized for being too repetitious.
redundant	Refers to something that is unnecessarily repetitive or that provides no additional value. Often used in technical, work, or academic contexts. His explanation was redundant because he repeated what others had already stated. Removing redundant code from the software will improve its performance.
repetitive	Used to describe actions or processes that are repeated over and over again. Can have a neutral or negative connotation depending on the context. Factory work can be very repetitive and tiresome. The song's repetitive chorus made it easy to remember.
reiterative	Describes something that involves repeating, particularly for emphasis or clarification. It is often used in formal or academic settings. The teacher's reiterative instructions aimed to ensure all students understood the task. Her reiterative reminder about the deadline was meant to stress its importance.
cyclical	Describes processes or events that occur in cycles or repeat in a predictable pattern. It is often used in contexts such as economics, seasons, or natural phenomena. The cyclical nature of the economy means that periods of growth are followed by recessions. Agriculture in this region is heavily dependent on cyclical rainfall patterns.

Examples of usage

Her writing style is repetitious and lacks originality.
His speeches are often criticized for being repetitious and boring.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

in behavior or actions

involving unnecessary repetition of the same actions or behaviors

Synonyms

boring, monotonous, repetitive, tedious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
repetitious	Used when something is repeated too many times, often unnecessarily, and it becomes annoying or tiresome. The repetitious nature of the speaker's points made the lecture hard to follow
repetitive	Used when something repeats itself, often in a mechanical or predictable way. The job involved a lot of repetitive tasks, making it quite uninteresting
monotonous	Describes something that is dull and unchanging, lacking in variety and interest. Her voice was so monotonous that it was difficult to stay engaged during the presentation
tedious	Applied when something is slow, long, and tiresome, due to its lack of excitement. Filling out all the paperwork was a tedious process
boring	Applied when something is uninteresting or fails to hold attention, generally lacking excitement. The movie was so boring that half the audience fell asleep

Examples of usage

His repetitious behavior at work annoys his colleagues.
The repetitious nature of the task made it boring and monotonous.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin word 'repetitivus,' which means 'to repeat'.
It entered the English language in the late 19th century, reflecting a growing interest in language and expression changes.
Related words like 'repetition' emphasize the action of doing something again multiple times.

Psychology

Repetitious behavior can reinforce habits, making actions more automatic and less conscious over time.
In learning, repetition is a key technique for memory retention; reviewing information multiple times helps us remember.
However, too much repetition can lead to boredom and decreased motivation, often called 'brain fatigue.'

Literature

Authors sometimes use repetitious phrases for emphasis, creating a rhythm in poetry or prose.
In storytelling, repetition can drive home key themes or morals, making them more impactful.
The technique is especially common in children's literature, helping young readers grasp important lessons.

Pop Culture

Repetitious songs, like catchy pop tracks, often become hits due to their easy-to-remember hooks.
Famous TV catchphrases often rely on repetition for comedic effect, making them memorable for viewers.
Reality TV shows frequently feature repetitious scenarios to heighten drama, keeping audiences engaged.

Education

Repetition is a cornerstone of educational practices, used in drills and exercises to help students grasp concepts.
Teachers often repeat key ideas in different contexts to reinforce understanding and retention.
In language learning, repetitive practice aids in developing fluency and confidence.

Translations

Translations of the word "repetitious" in other languages:

🇵🇹 repetitivo

🇮🇳 दोहरावदार

🇩🇪 wiederholend

🇮🇩 berulang-ulang

🇺🇦 повторюваний

🇵🇱 powtarzający się

🇯🇵 繰り返しの

🇫🇷 répétitif

🇪🇸 repetitivo

🇹🇷 tekrarlayan

🇰🇷 반복적인

🇸🇦 متكرر

🇨🇿 opakující se

🇸🇰 opakujúci sa

🇨🇳 重复的

🇸🇮 ponavljajoč

🇮🇸 endurtekin

🇰🇿 қайталанатын

🇬🇪 გამეორებითი

🇦🇿 təkrarlanan

🇲🇽 repetitivo

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,228, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
24225 subsiding
24226 leveraging
24227 sidereal
24228 repetitious
24229 shirk
24230 valency
24231 unbalance
...