Word
repetitive
Phoneticsrepet·i·tive
US/ɹɪˈpɛtɪtɪv/
UK/ɹɪpˈɛtɪtˌɪv/
Definition
adj. happening again and again in a way that is boring or annoying. You use this to describe tasks or sounds that never seem to change.
adj. characterised by frequent repetition, often to the point of monotony or tedium. Frequently modifies nouns related to labor, motion, or auditory patterns.
Examples
“The factory job involves repetitive movements all day.”
“I had to quit the data entry position because the work was too repetitive and lacked any creative challenge.”
“The composer uses repetitive melodic fragments to create a hypnotic effect, though some critics find the lack of harmonic progression exhausting over long periods.”
Examples
simple
“The factory job involves repetitive movements all day.”
contextual
“I had to quit the data entry position because the work was too repetitive and lacked any creative challenge.”
complex
“The composer uses repetitive melodic fragments to create a hypnotic effect, though some critics find the lack of harmonic progression exhausting over long periods.”
Usage
Typically precedes the noun it modifies; often used with 'monotonous' or 'tedious' as synonyms.
Pitfall
The work is very repeat.
The work is very repetitive.
Learners sometimes use the verb 'repeat' or the noun 'repetition' where the descriptive adjective 'repetitive' is required.
Real-World Examples
“For now, it can only do simple repetitive movements, such as scan a QR code.” “Kusama's polka dotted pumpkins, "Infinity Rooms," and other repetitive and dreamlike artworks have been shown in museums and galleries worldwide.” Etymology
From Latin repetitus, with the suffix -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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 C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/repetitive