Is 'automatic repeat' one word or two?

It is typically written as two words ('automatic repeat'), though in technical compounds like 'automatic repeat request' it forms part of a multi-word term. The hyphenated form 'auto-repeat' is also common, especially in user interfaces.

What's the difference between 'repeat automatically' and 'automatic repeat'?

'Repeat automatically' describes the action (verb phrase). 'Automatic repeat' is a noun phrase naming the function or feature itself (e.g., 'Turn on the automatic repeat').

Can 'automatic repeat' refer to human behavior?

Yes, but usually in a figurative or critical sense, e.g., 'His excuses were on automatic repeat,' meaning he kept saying the same thing thoughtlessly.

In which technical field is this term most essential?

Telecommunications and computer networking, specifically in error-control protocols known as ARQ (Automatic Repeat reQuest).

automatic repeat

B2-C1

UK/ˌɔːtəˈmætɪk rɪˈpiːt/US/ˌɔːt̬əˈmæt̬ɪk rɪˈpiːt/

Technical / Formal

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

A function where a device or system replays or retransmits something without requiring manual intervention each time.

Can refer to the automated repetition of an action, sound, or process, often in mechanical, software, or broadcasting contexts.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Most commonly used as a compound noun ('automatic repeat') or as a modifier in terms like 'automatic repeat request' (ARQ) in telecommunications.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Both use the term. US English might more frequently use 'auto-repeat' or 'auto-replay' in consumer contexts.

Connotations

Technical, efficient, sometimes associated with error correction in data transmission.

Frequency

More common in technical fields; general everyday usage is relatively low.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

automatic repeat requestautomatic repeat modeenable automatic repeat

medium

automatic repeat functionautomatic repeat featureset to automatic repeat

weak

automatic repeat playbackautomatic repeat sequenceautomatic repeat timer

Grammar

Valency Patterns

The [device] is set on/for automatic repeat.The system uses automatic repeat to [achieve goal].enable/disable automatic repeat

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

retransmissionrepetition loop

Neutral

auto-repeatauto-replaycontinuous playback

Weak

replay functioncycleloop

Vocabulary

Antonyms

single playmanual repeatone-off transmission

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“On automatic repeat (figurative: boringly repetitive)”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Rare, except in IT/communications departments discussing data integrity.

Academic

Used in engineering, computer science, and telecommunications papers.

Everyday

Used when discussing media players, alarm settings, or simple automated tasks.

Technical

Core term in networking for ARQ (Automatic Repeat reQuest) protocols.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

The system will automatically repeat the transmission until an acknowledgement is received.
The programme is set to automatically repeat every hour.

American English

The software automatically repeats the sequence if it detects an error.
The sprinkler system automatically repeats its cycle at dawn.

adverb

British English

The track played automatically repeatedly throughout the night.
The signal is sent automatically repeatedly until confirmed.

American English

The notification pops up automatically repeatedly if ignored.
The test runs automatically repeatedly for 24 hours.

adjective

British English

The automatic repeat function is engaged.
We use an automatic repeat request protocol.

American English

Check the auto-repeat settings on your remote.
It's an automatic repeat playback feature.

Examples

By CEFR Level

My phone alarm has an automatic repeat for weekdays.
The video is on automatic repeat.

You can set the washing machine to an automatic repeat cycle for heavy stains.
The radio station uses automatic repeat for its overnight broadcasts.

The data link employs an automatic repeat request mechanism to ensure accuracy.
Critics said the politician's speech felt like an automatic repeat of old promises.

The implementation of a selective automatic repeat request protocol significantly reduced latency while maintaining data integrity.
The artist's use of automatic repeat in the installation created a hypnotic, relentless atmosphere.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a song stuck on REPEAT, but AUTOMATICALLY—like a robot pressing the replay button for you.

Conceptual Metaphor

A RELIABLE ASSISTANT that handles repetition so you don't have to.

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Avoid direct calque 'автоматический повтор' in non-technical contexts; in everyday speech, 'автоповтор' or 'повтор по умолчанию' might be more natural.
Do not confuse with 'automatic reply' (автоответчик).

Common Mistakes

Using 'automated repeat' instead of 'automatic repeat' (though 'automated' is possible, 'automatic' is the standard collocation).
Treating it as a single unhyphenated word: 'automaticrepeat'.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

In networking, is a key method for error control in data transmission.

Multiple Choice

What is the most common technical expansion of 'ARQ'?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: It is typically written as two words ('automatic repeat'), though in technical compounds like 'automatic repeat request' it forms part of a multi-word term. The hyphenated form 'auto-repeat' is also common, especially in user interfaces.
: 'Repeat automatically' describes the action (verb phrase). 'Automatic repeat' is a noun phrase naming the function or feature itself (e.g., 'Turn on the automatic repeat').
: Yes, but usually in a figurative or critical sense, e.g., 'His excuses were on automatic repeat,' meaning he kept saying the same thing thoughtlessly.
: Telecommunications and computer networking, specifically in error-control protocols known as ARQ (Automatic Repeat reQuest).