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repeat

v. · n.
US //ɹiˈpit// UK //ɹɪpˈiːt// re·peat
  1. 1 to say or do again (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to say or do something more than once.

    to say, do, or provide something again; transitive when taking a direct object of the action performed.

    Example

    Could you please repeat that last sentence? I didn't hear you clearly.

    Example

    The professor had to repeat the instructions several times before the students understood the complex requirements of the assignment.
  2. 2 to happen again (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to happen more than once.

    to occur again or recur. Often used intransitively to describe patterns or events.

    Example

    History often seems to repeat itself when people forget the past.

    Example

    The software error began to repeat every time the user attempted to save a large file to the cloud server.
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  1. 3 a television rerun (n.)
    B1 Intermediate British English

    a television programme that is shown again.

    a television or radio programme that is broadcast again after its initial presentation.

    Example

    I've seen this episode before; it's just a repeat.

    Example

    The network filled the summer schedule with repeats of popular sitcoms to save on production costs during the off-season.
  2. 4 medical refill (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English Medicine

    a second or further supply of a medicine.

    a further issuance of a medical prescription without needing a new consultation.

    Example

    The doctor gave me a repeat for my allergy medication.

    Example

    Patients on long-term medication can often request a repeat prescription through the clinic's online portal.
  3. 5 music notation (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Music

    a sign that tells a musician to play a section again.

    a mark or sign in a musical score directing the performer to play a specific passage again.

    Example

    The pianist missed the repeat and went straight to the ending.

    Example

    The composer included a repeat at the end of the exposition to ensure the audience became familiar with the primary themes.

  4. 6 military command (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Military

    to fire weapons again at the same target.

    to fire again using the same settings and ammunition on a previously engaged target.

    Example

    The commander ordered the battery to repeat on the same coordinates.

    Example

    After observing that the initial strike had missed the bunker, the forward observer requested the artillery to repeat the mission.

Origin

From Middle English repeten, from Old French repeter, from Latin repetō, repetere, from the prefix re- (“again”) + peto (“attack, beseech”).

Word family

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