reo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Outside Māori-speaking contexts)Formal (in Māori context); Technical (in computing context)
Quick answer
What does “reo” mean?
The Māori language.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The Māori language.
Can refer to language, voice, or sound in Māori cultural contexts; also used as an abbreviation in computing for "Read-Eval-Print Loop."
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'reo' is almost exclusively a computing term. In the US, same, but with even less recognition of the Māori meaning.
Connotations
Neutral technical in computing; culturally significant in NZ contexts.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general English; moderately known in programming communities.
Grammar
How to Use “reo” in a Sentence
[speak/learn] + reo[start/exit] + a reoVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reo” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The reo revitalisation programme is thriving.
- He entered a reo environment to test the code.
American English
- The REPL (reo) interface is responsive.
- She joined a reo session for debugging.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in NZ companies referencing language initiatives.
Academic
Used in linguistics/anthropology papers on Māori language revitalization.
Everyday
Virtually unused outside NZ or programming.
Technical
A common abbreviation for 'Read-Eval-Print Loop' in software development.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reo”
- Using 'reo' to mean any language outside NZ context.
- Pronouncing it /rio/ instead of /ˈriːəʊ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a loanword from Māori used in New Zealand English and a technical abbreviation in computing, but not a core English word.
In English, it's typically pronounced /ˈriːəʊ/ (REE-oh), similar to 'Rio'.
No. Outside specific contexts, it is not understood as a generic term for language. In NZ, it specifically means the Māori language.
A Read-Eval-Print Loop (REPL) is an interactive programming environment that takes single inputs, executes them, and returns results.
The Māori language.
Reo is usually formal (in māori context); technical (in computing context) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Kia kaha te reo Māori (Strengthen the Māori language)”
- “Live in the reo (programming slang for working in a REPL)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
REO: Read, Evaluate, Output (for computing); Remember Every Origin (for Māori language).
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A VOICE (reo means both 'language' and 'voice' in Māori).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'reo' in New Zealand English?