What does repetitiously mean?
Repetitiously means in a way that involves doing, saying, or experiencing the same thing repeatedly. It is commonly used to describe actions that recur often and may seem tedious, excessive, or unvaried, such as repeatedly checking a monitor or repeatedly hearing the same message. The word can also be used neutrally for intentional repetition, especially in contexts involving rhythm, practice, or reinforcement. It is derived from the adjective “repetitive,” which comes from “repetition” and ultimately from Latin repetere, meaning “to do or say again.” Compared with “repeatedly,” “repetitiously” focuses on the repetitive character of the manner rather than merely indicating that an event occurs more than once. It is useful when describing not only how often something happens, but also the noticeable sameness of the pattern.
adverbIn a repetitive manner; repeatedly or in a way that involves the same action or idea over and over.
- In a repetitive manner; repeatedly or with repeated actions, ideas, or patterns.
"She had to listen repetitiously to the same recorded message while waiting for the line to open."
"The automatic email system repetitiously notified customers of the same update."
"His reply was repetitiously phrased, using nearly identical sentences throughout the discussion."
Sometimes one repetition is useful; repetitiously describes what happens when the pattern becomes the point.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does repetitiously come from?
The adverb comes from the adjective “repetitive,” which in turn derives from “repetition.” These forms trace back to Latin repetere, meaning “to do or say again.” The same Latin root also underlies cognates such as “repertory,” while the English family includes “repetition,” “repetitiously,” and “repetitiveness.”
Related word forms
How repetitiously is actually used
This adverb is often used when repetition seems excessive, tedious, or unproductive, although it can also describe deliberate repetition in music, speech, or design. The closely related adjective is “repetitive,” while “repetitious” has a similarly strong association with dull or excessive repetition.
Easily confused with repetitiously
“Repetitiously” describes the manner in which an action is performed, often with an implication of undesirable repetition, whereas “repeatedly” simply states that something happens more than once.