reiteration

American  

[ree-it-uh-rey-shuhn] / riˌɪt əˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of saying or doing something again, or over and over; excessive repetition.

   He says this line four or five times throughout the movie, each reiteration earning fewer laughs than the last.

---

Etymology

Origin of reiteration

First recorded in 1400–50; reiterat(e) ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )

Explanation

When you say something more than once, especially to make yourself more clear, that's reiteration. If your memory for math is terrible, even your teacher's reiteration of formulas might not help you pass your quiz. When you deliberately repeat something, you reiterate it, and the process of repeating something is reiteration. Most people expect to hear reiteration of a political candidate's campaign messages — in fact, she may give the same speech over and over again. Reiteration doesn't necessarily mean repeated words; it can instead involve something like subjects: "The artist's reiteration of themes of loss can be seen in all her work." The Latin root, reiterationem, means "repetition."

Example Sentences

In the above simple narrative, there is a distinct reference to the principles of "Reiteration," and "Individuation," and hence Mrs Wesley's great success.

From A Practical Enquiry into the Philosophy of Education by Gall, James

Reiteration, not progress of thought, characterises Hosea's fiery stream of inspired eloquence.

From Expositions of Holy Scripture Ezekiel, Daniel, and the Minor Prophets. St Matthew Chapters I to VIII by Maclaren, Alexander

This, with a great deal of Reiteration, proves to be literally the sum of your contention.

From The Revision Revised by Burgon, John William

Note A, pages 45 and 55.—It may perhaps be reasonably objected to this term of "Reiteration," that it is a new term for an act of the mind which has already received another name.

From A Practical Enquiry into the Philosophy of Education by Gall, James

Reiteration of Brock's deeds should help to develop a better appreciation of his work, a truer conception of his heroism, a wiser understanding of his sacrifice.

From The Story of Isaac Brock Hero, Defender and Saviour of Upper Canada, 1812 by Nursey, Walter R.

Related Words

• restatement