Definition of Repeat

The word repeat functions as both a verb and a noun, referring to the act of doing or saying something again. It can imply recurrence, reproduction, or redoing something to reinforce or emphasize it.

As a Verb:

  • To say, do, or perform something again.
    • Example: “Can you repeat that last sentence?”
  • To occur again.
    • Example: “History tends to repeat itself.”
  • To recite from memory.
    • Example: “The child repeated the poem perfectly.”

As a Noun:

  • An event, action, or statement that happens again.
    • Example: “This is a repeat of last year’s performance.”
  • A broadcast or performance shown again.
    • Example: “Tonight’s episode is a repeat from last week.”

Synonyms for Repeat

Strongest Matches:

These words closely match the meaning of repeat in most contexts.

  • Reiterate
  • Recapitulate
  • Echo
  • Reproduce
  • Reduplicate
  • Resay

Strong Matches:

These words convey a similar meaning but may have subtle differences.

  • Recite
  • Replicate
  • Replay
  • Rehash
  • Reoccur
  • Iterate

Weak Matches:

These words share some conceptual similarity but do not fully replace repeat in all cases.

  • Mimic
  • Imitate
  • Reinforce
  • Restate
  • Recreate
  • Reuse

Example Sentences

  1. Verb Usage:
    • “Please repeat your name for the recording.”
    • “The teacher asked the students to repeat the experiment.”
  2. Noun Usage:
    • “That joke was hilarious; it deserves a repeat!”
    • “Tonight’s show is a repeat, but it’s worth watching again.”

Contextual Usage

  • Education: Teachers often ask students to repeat concepts for better retention.
  • Music: A chorus in a song is designed to repeat for emphasis.
  • Technology: Some commands in programming allow for a repeat function to execute an action multiple times.
  • Sports: A team that wins consecutive championships is called a repeat champion.
  • History: “History repeats itself” is a common adage emphasizing recurring patterns in historical events.

Related Words

  • Repetition – The process of repeating something.
  • Recurrence – The state of happening again.
  • Echo – A repeated sound or idea.
  • Reiteration – Saying something again for emphasis.
  • Mimicry – The act of imitating or copying something.

Additional Information

  • Common Idioms & Phrases:
    • “On repeat” – Listening to or watching something repeatedly.
    • “Repeat offender” – Someone who commits the same offense more than once.
    • “History repeats itself” – Events tend to happen in cycles.
  • Grammar Notes:
    • “Repeat” can function both transitively (repeat a word) and intransitively (history repeats).
    • The past tense is repeated, and the present participle is repeating.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general reference and educational purposes. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, language usage varies by context and region. Always refer to authoritative sources for professional or academic use.