What does repeated mean?
“Repeated” describes something that is done, said, or happens more than once, and it also serves as the past-tense and past-participle form of “repeat.” In the adjective sense, it commonly precedes nouns such as “attempts,” “warnings,” or “occurrences,” indicating recurrence rather than a one-time event. In the verb sense, it reports a second or subsequent performance of an action or statement: “She repeated the instructions” means she said them again. The term is neutral in register and common in both British and American English. It can suggest persistence, especially in phrases such as “repeated failures,” where each occurrence adds to an established pattern. Repeated differs from repetitive: repeated identifies the fact of recurrence, while repetitive often emphasizes similarity and potentially monotony. The related adverb repeatedly expresses how often something happens, and the noun repetition names the act or instance. Together, these forms make repeated a useful word for describing recurrence, persistence, and confirmation in clear, general prose.
Happening, done, or occurring more than once.
"Despite repeated warnings, visitors continued to cross the unstable footbridge."
The adjective is especially common before nouns and can imply that the occurrences form a continuing pattern.
To say or do something again.
"He repeated the question because she had not heard him clearly."
This is the past tense and past participle of “repeat.”
A single event can be remarkable; the same event repeated becomes a pattern.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does repeated come from?
The English word “repeated” is formed on “repeat,” which entered Middle English from Old French repetir and ultimately Latin repetere, literally “seek again.” Latin repetere combines re-, meaning “again,” with petere, meaning “seek” or “aim for”; its past participle repetitus is a cognate of the English form. The same Latin root underlies words including “petition,” “competitor,” and “impetus,” although their modern meanings have developed independently.
Related word forms
How repeated is actually used
The word is neutral in register and shows no significant British–American difference. It can suggest persistence, especially when several occurrences form an established pattern. Repeatedly is the usual adverb when describing how often an action occurs.
Easily confused with repeated
Repeated identifies something that happens more than once, whereas repetitive often emphasizes the similarity and potential monotony of the occurrences.