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REFERENCE

repetitive

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ɹɪˈpɛtɪtɪv// UK //ɹɪpˈɛtɪtˌɪv// repet·i·tive

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.


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.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Latin repetitus, with the suffix -ive.

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.

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