WordGarden.iorepetitively
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪpˈɛtɪtˌɪvli/
US
- /rɪpˈɛtɪtˌɪvli/
Meanings
Adverb
in a repetitive way; again and again
Beyond the definition
Imagine a dripping faucet - drip... drip... drip. If that sound happens repetitively, it keeps happening over and over in the same pattern. It is more than doing something a few times. It suggests that the action keeps coming back in a clear, repeated way. A child might ask for a treat repetitively, slowly driving their parents mad. Or a song with a catchy chorus might play repetitively on the radio and get stuck in your head. The key idea is that the action is not random - it keeps returning in a steady, noticeable pattern.
The word "repetitively" describes something done again and again, frequently, and often in a noticeable or even irritating pattern. It goes beyond simply repeating an action; it emphasizes how often and with what consistency the repetition occurs.
Think of a metronome ticking – its beat is repetitively marking time. Or consider a politician making the same promise during every speech; they are stating it repetitively. It can be used to describe physical actions ("He tapped his foot repetitively"), verbal statements ("She asked the same question repetitively"), or even patterns of behavior ("The character's daily routine unfolded repetitively, mirroring the monotony of his life").
"Repetitively" isn't always negative. A musician might practice a difficult passage repetitively to master it. However, it often carries a sense of monotony, annoyance, or pressure, especially when the repetition feels unnecessary or excessive.
You'll rarely use "repetitively" to describe something that happens only twice. It usually suggests repeated action over a period of time. So, if something keeps happening again and again in a clear pattern, you can confidently say it's happening repetitively.
Examples
- 1
Nervous habit
He tapped his foot repetitively under the table while he waited.
- 2
Annoying sound
A car alarm beeped repetitively outside our window all night.
- 3
Repeated complaint
She returned to the same complaint repetitively, even after everyone understood her point.
- 4
Film music
A short piano line plays repetitively in the background, giving the scene a tense feeling.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Advertising
In the commercial, the company name is used so repetitively that it starts to sound meaningless.
- 6
Workplace safety
Factory workers are taught how to lift safely so they do not bend repetitively in ways that strain the back.
See also
Similar
- repeatedly
- again and again
- over and over
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- move repetitively
- tap repetitively
- repetitively perform a task
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- repetitivelyadverb