Word
rehearsing
Phoneticsre·hears·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹɪˈhɝsɪŋ/
UK/ɹɪhˈɜːsɪŋ/
Definitions
01practicing a performance
B2 · Upper Intermediate Theater
v. practicing a play, dance, or piece of music to prepare for a public performance.
v. practicing a performing arts piece systematically in preparation for public presentation.
“The band spent all afternoon rehearsing their new songs for the concert.”
“The cast spent six weeks rehearsing the complex choreography before the director felt they were ready for the opening night preview.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02repeating to remember
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. saying or going over something in your mind so you do not forget it.
v. mentally or vocally repeating information to ensure retention or to prepare for a specific interaction.
“I kept rehearsing my speech in the shower so I wouldn't be nervous.”
“She sat in the waiting room silently rehearsing her answers to the potential interview questions she had researched earlier.”
03the act of practice
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Theater Formal
n. the activity of practicing for a performance.
n. the gerundial use of the verb to describe the ongoing process of preparation for a performance.
“Hours of rehearsing finally paid off when the show was a success.”
“The constant rehearsing had exhausted the choir, yet their technical precision improved noticeably with every session.”
Synonyms
Usage
Transitive or intransitive; can take a direct object (the material being practiced) or stand alone.
Pitfall
I am rehearsing for my exam
I am revising for my exam
Learners often use 'rehearse' for general studying; it specifically refers to practicing a performance or speech, not academic study.
Real-World Examples
“She’s based it on her own experience with domestic violence: her ex, the actor Scott Shepherd, struck Ireland while they were rehearsing a play in London in 2012.” “Ashton (Ross Gaynor) and Reece (Ian Toner) may be the last men on Earth; they spend their time rehearsing the same stories, sometimes singing and, ultimately, waiting.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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