repetitive

[ri-pet-i-tiv]

adjective

1. pertaining to or characterized by repetition.

repetitive

/ rɪˈpɛtɪtɪv /

adjective

1. characterized by or given to unnecessary repetition; boring

   dull, repetitive work

Other Word Forms

• repetitiveness noun
• repetitively adverb
• nonrepetitive adjective
• nonrepetitively adverb
• unrepetitive adjective
• unrepetitively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of repetitive¹

First recorded in 1830–40; from Latin repetīt(us) “attacked again” (past participle of repetere “to attack again, demand return of”; repeat ) + -ive

Example Sentences

Tourette's syndrome is an incurable condition that causes someone to make sudden, repetitive sounds or movements, known as tics.

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The more an image proliferates in the world, the more nagging it is, and naturally, our brains twist these repetitive ideas into humor to blunt their obnoxiousness.

Read more on Salon

“I remember being very repetitive, saying ‘What just happened to me?

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Side effects are rare, but some children get a little more hyper or have more repetitive behaviors.

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With judicious trimming, particularly of the occasional puddle of expository or repetitive dialogue, the play would gain a tauter pace.

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Related Words

• boring 
• constant 
• dull 
• monotonous 
• repeated