Reprise: meaning, definitions and examples

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reprise

 

[ rəˈpriːz ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

music performance

A reprise refers to a recurring piece or theme in music, often heard again after being played or sung earlier in a composition. It allows the artist to reinforce a particular sentiment or theme, creating a sense of familiarity for the audience.

Synonyms

recurrence, reiteration, repetition

Examples of usage

  • The reprise of the main melody brought smiles to the audience.
  • In the final act, the reprise of the love theme reminded everyone of the couple's journey.
  • The composer skillfully arranged a reprise that beautifully tied the piece together.
Context #2 | Verb

to repeat

To reprise something means to repeat it or to do it again. This can refer to performances, actions, or bringing back themes from earlier instances.

Synonyms

echo, repeats, restates

Examples of usage

  • The director decided to reprise the successful play for another season.
  • She plans to reprise her lead role in the upcoming theatre production.
  • He has agreed to reprise the melody for the new arrangement.

Translations

Translations of the word "reprise" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reprise

🇮🇳 पुनरावृत्ति

🇩🇪 Wiederholung

🇮🇩 pengulangan

🇺🇦 повторення

🇵🇱 powtórka

🇯🇵 再演

🇫🇷 reprise

🇪🇸 reprise

🇹🇷 tekrarlama

🇰🇷 재연

🇸🇦 إعادة

🇨🇿 repríza

🇸🇰 repríza

🇨🇳 重演

🇸🇮 repriza

🇮🇸 endurtaka

🇰🇿 қайталану

🇬🇪 რეპრიზა

🇦🇿 təkrarlama

🇲🇽 reprise

Word origin

The term 'reprise' originates from the early 17th century, derived from the French word 'repriser,' which means to take back or to repeat. The root of this word can be traced to the Latin 'reprehendere,' meaning to seize or to take back. Initially, it was primarily used in the context of music and theater to describe a recurring theme or portion of a performance. Over time, 'reprise' expanded in meaning and usage in English, becoming applicable in various contexts beyond music, including literature and general conversation when discussing the act of repeating or revisiting a particular theme or idea. Its adoption into common English usage reflects the influence of French on the English language during periods of cultural exchange and artistic collaboration.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,725 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.