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Restates: meaning, definitions and examples

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restates

 

[rɪˈsteɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

rephrasing ideas

To restate means to say something again or differently, often to clarify or emphasize a point. It is typically used in writing and speech when someone revises their original statement to convey the same idea more clearly.

Synonyms

reiterate, rephrase, reword.

Examples of usage

  • The teacher restates the question to ensure everyone understands.
  • In the meeting, she restated the proposal for clarity.
  • He often restates his points to reinforce his arguments.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word ‘restates’ comes from the prefix ‘re-’, meaning again, and ‘state’, which means to say something.
  • ‘State’ has origins in Latin ‘stare’, which means to stand, showing how information stands firm when stated.
  • The word highlights the idea of reiteration, where a concept is presented multiple times to ensure understanding.

Communication Theory

  • In effective communication, restating allows the speaker to clarify their message and ensure their audience is following along.
  • Active listening includes the technique of restating to confirm understanding, which strengthens the connection between speaker and listener.
  • Restating can be an important part of conflict resolution, helping parties find common ground by rephrasing grievances.

Education

  • Teachers often encourage students to restate questions or instructions to confirm comprehension and enhance learning.
  • Restating information can serve as a study technique, helping students remember concepts through repetition.
  • In written assignments, restating a thesis can clarify the main point and guide the reader’s understanding.

Literature

  • Writers use restatement for emphasis, often paraphrasing previous points to reinforce key themes in their work.
  • In poetry, restating themes or emotions can create a sense of rhythm and resonance for the reader.
  • Restatement is a common rhetorical device in speeches, allowing orators to inspire and engage their audience effectively.

Cognitive Psychology

  • Cognitive psychologists study how restating can improve memory retention and recall by reinforcing information pathways in the brain.
  • Restating contributes to deeper processing of information, allowing individuals to build connections and understand concepts better.
  • The practice is also linked to metacognition, as it encourages self-awareness in understanding one’s own knowledge and perspectives.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,203 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.