WordGarden.ioreiteration
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /rˌiːˌɪtərˈeɪʃən/
US
- /riˌɪtərˈeɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
the act of saying or writing something again for emphasis or clarity
Beyond the definition
Imagine a detective questioning a witness. They do not just ask something once; they may come back to the same point in different ways to make things clear and bring out important details. That is the heart of reiteration: saying something again, not always word for word, but in a way that strengthens the message. It is more than simple repetition. It is a careful restating of something so people understand it better or remember it more clearly. A politician might use reiteration to press a key message during a speech, and a teacher might use it when explaining a hard idea so the class can follow along.
Reiteration refers to the act of repeating a statement, idea, or theme—often with slight variations—for the purpose of emphasis or clarity. It is not just mindless repetition; it is a purposeful restatement designed to reinforce understanding or drive home a point. Think of a song's chorus: it reiterates the main message throughout the tune, making it both memorable and impactful.
The context of usage is vital. In legal settings, lawyers might use reiteration during cross-examination to expose inconsistencies in testimony. In persuasive writing or public speaking, it serves as a powerful rhetorical device. A marketing campaign might reiterate its core message across multiple platforms—TV commercials, social media posts, and print ads—to ensure the brand sticks with the audience.
However, reiteration isn't always positive. Excessive use can come across as pedantic or annoying. If someone constantly reiterates a point you already understand, they might be perceived as condescending rather than helpful.
Here are some examples:
- "The manager's constant reiteration of the company's values felt more like nagging than leadership."
- "After several failed attempts to explain the complex theory, she resorted to reiteration, breaking it down into simpler terms."
- "The news report focused on the reiteration of safety concerns following the recent accident."
Ultimately, reiteration is a versatile term describing the act of repeating with purpose—whether that purpose is to clarify, to emphasize, or perhaps even to irritate. It's about saying it again, but with intent.
Examples
- 1
Follow-up email
Her follow-up email was mostly a reiteration of the main points from the meeting.
- 2
Political speech
The minister's speech offered no new policy, only a reiteration of earlier promises.
- 3
Repeated warning
The constant reiteration of the same warning eventually made people stop listening.
- 4
Report conclusion
The report ended with a reiteration that safety had to come before speed.
- Patternreiteration that + statement
repeating a full idea or statement
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- initial statement
- omission
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- a reiteration of
- mere reiteration
- constant reiteration
- reiteration of support
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- reiterationnoun
Forms
- reiterationspluralnoun