reiterate
C1Formal to Neutral (more common in formal, academic, and business contexts)
Definition
Meaning
To say or do something again, repeatedly, or several times.
To state or affirm again, often for emphasis or clarity; to repeat a point, warning, or request to ensure it is understood or to stress its importance.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies repetition of something already said or done, not just a single repetition. It carries a nuance of emphasis, insistence, or ensuring clarity. Can sometimes imply a degree of frustration or annoyance when repetition is necessary.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or form. Both varieties use the word identically.
Connotations
Slightly formal in both dialects. Slightly more common in British formal writing and political discourse, but the difference is marginal.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + reiterate + [Direct Object (noun phrase)][Subject] + reiterate + that-clause[Subject] + reiterate + [Direct Object] + to + [Recipient]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To reiterate the obvious”
- “I cannot reiterate enough”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to confirm a company's official stance or policy: 'The CEO reiterated the firm's commitment to sustainability.'
Academic
Used to emphasize a key argument or finding: 'The author reiterates this central thesis in the conclusion.'
Everyday
Less common; 'repeat' is preferred. Used when someone feels they must repeat themselves: 'I must reiterate, please don't be late.'
Technical
Used in legal or official communications to stress a formal point: 'The judge reiterated the instructions to the jury.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The minister will reiterate the government's position during the press briefing.
- May I reiterate my request for quiet in the library?
- He felt the need to reiterate the safety rules to the new team.
American English
- The company spokesperson reiterated that they are not commenting on the merger.
- Let me reiterate how important this deadline is.
- The coach reiterated the play to the quarterback one more time.
adverb
British English
- He spoke reiteratively, which began to test the audience's patience.
American English
- She explained the concept reiteratively until everyone understood.
adjective
British English
- He gave a reiterative speech, covering the same ground several times.
American English
- The memo was reiterative, stating the policy in three different sections.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher had to reiterate the homework instructions.
- I want to reiterate my thanks for your help.
- In his closing argument, the lawyer reiterated the key evidence.
- The manager reiterated the need for better communication within the department.
- The scientific paper reiterates the initial hypothesis before presenting the contradictory data.
- Despite numerous queries, the official spokesperson reiterated the same vague statement.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of RE-ITERATE as saying an ITERATION (a repeated version) again (RE). You're making another iteration of your statement.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A JOURNEY (re-tracing a verbal path); EMPHASIS IS FORCE (hammering a point home).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid overusing or using it for simple physical repetition (like 'reiterate an exercise'). It is primarily for verbal or written statements. 'Повторять' is broader.
- Do not confuse with 'iterate' which is more technical/mathematical. 'Reiterate' is more common in general language.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a noun (e.g., 'a reiterate' is wrong; use 'a reiteration').
- Confusing spelling: 'reitterate' (incorrect).
- Using it for a first-time statement.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'reiterate' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Repeat' is a general term for doing or saying something again. 'Reiterate' is more specific, often implying the repetition of a statement, opinion, or request for emphasis or clarity. It is also slightly more formal.
Primarily, it is used for verbal or written statements. While it can be extended to actions that symbolically repeat a message (e.g., 'reiterating a commitment through action'), it is not typically used for simple physical repetitions (like 'reiterating an exercise').
It is redundant but commonly used for added emphasis in informal speech (e.g., 'I need to reiterate this again'). In precise writing, 'reiterate' alone is sufficient as it already contains the idea of 'again'.
The noun is 'reiteration' (e.g., 'This is just a reiteration of what we said before').