What is repeatedly? Pronunciation and usage in English

repeatedly means . Learn how to pronounce and use repeatedly through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of repeatedly

repeatedlyadverb

/rɪˈpiːtɪdli/
Definition & pronunciation of repeatedly

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "repeatedly." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown with phonetic transcription and tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/rɪˈpítið.li/

Let's break that down:

  • rɪ: This is a quick, relaxed "r" sound, almost like a very short "uh" sound followed by the "r." It’s not a strong, rolled "r" like you might hear in Spanish. Think of it as a mixture of “ri”.
  • ˈpí: This is the stressed syllable. The ‘ˈ’ symbol indicates the primary stress. The “pi” sound is similar to the “pi” in “pie”.
  • tið: This is the “-ted” part. The ‘ð’ represents the ‘th’ sound as in “this” or “that.” It’s a voiced “th,” meaning your vocal cords vibrate.
  • li: This is a simple "li" sound, like in "little."

2. A More Descriptive Pronunciation (Easy to understand):

Here's how you can say it, broken down into syllables:

  • Re – Like the letter R, but quick and light.
  • pi – Like “pie.”
  • ted – Say “this” or “that” but with a “t” instead of a “d.”
  • ly – Like “lee.”

Putting it together: Ree-pi-ted-lee

3. Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Stress: Make sure the second syllable ("pi") is the strongest. This is the most common mistake.
  • The ‘r’ sound: Don't overemphasize the "r." It's subtle.
  • The ‘th’ sound: Practice saying “this” and “that” clearly to get the feel for the voiced “th.”
  • Listen to Examples: This is crucial. Listen to native speakers pronounce "repeatedly." Here are some good resources:

To help me tailor my explanation further, could you tell me:

  • Are you learning English as a second language?
  • Is there a particular accent you're trying to emulate (e.g., American, British)?

Usage and examples with the word repeatedly in English

Let's break down how to use the word "repeatedly" in English. It's a useful word that adds emphasis to the fact that something happened more than once.

1. Meaning:

"Repeatedly" means "over and over again" or "again and again." It emphasizes the frequency of an action or event.

2. Grammar:

  • Adverb: "Repeatedly" is an adverb. This means it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It tells how something happened.

3. How to Use It - Examples:

Here's how to use "repeatedly" with different sentence structures:

  • Modifying a Verb: This is the most common usage.

    • "He repeatedly apologized for his mistake." (He apologized over and over again.)
    • "The dog repeatedly barked at the mailman." (The dog barked again and again.)
    • "The students repeatedly asked for clarification." (They asked for clarification many times.)
  • Modifying an Adjective/Adverb (Less Common, but Possible): You can use it to describe how something is done, adding a sense of persistence.

    • "She spoke repeatedly passionately about her beliefs." (She spoke with a lot of passion, repeatedly.) – Here, it's emphasizing the manner of speaking.
    • "He worked repeatedly diligently on the project." (He worked with great care and attention, repeatedly.)

4. Synonyms:

Here are some words and phrases that can be used instead of "repeatedly," depending on the nuance you want to convey:

  • Frequently
  • Repeatedly
  • Again and again
  • Over and over
  • Continuously
  • Time after time
  • Many times
  • Again, and again

5. Important Notes & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't overuse it: While it’s a strong word, using it too often can make your writing sound awkward. Consider if there's a more concise way to express the idea.
  • Combine with "the": Often, "repeatedly" is used with "the" to create a more emphatic phrase: "The dog repeatedly barked at the mailman."
  • Don't use it with nouns: "Repeatedly" is not used as a noun. You wouldn’t say "He made a repeatedly." Instead, you'd say "He made repeated apologies."

Let's Practice!

Fill in the blanks with “repeatedly”:

  1. The chef __________ seasoned the dish with salt.
  2. The scientist __________ conducted the experiment.
  3. The child __________ demanded a cookie.
  4. The politician __________ promised to lower taxes.

Answers:

  1. The chef repeatedly seasoned the dish with salt.
  2. The scientist repeatedly conducted the experiment.
  3. The child repeatedly demanded a cookie.
  4. The politician repeatedly promised to lower taxes.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Help you practice writing sentences using “repeatedly”?
  • Explain how “repeatedly” differs from other similar words?

Practice with vocabulary repeatedly

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Despite numerous rejections, the scientist ___________ submitted her grant proposal, refining it each time.
  2. The software application crashed ___________, causing significant frustration among users and requiring an urgent patch.
  3. The project team met ___________ every Friday morning to discuss progress and allocate new tasks.
  4. To ensure the accuracy of their financial reports, the auditors checked the figures ___________.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The security alarm sounded after the unauthorized person attempted to enter the restricted area. a) frequently b) repeatedly c) occasionally d) seldom

  2. During the negotiation, the union representative emphasized the need for better working conditions. a) consistently b) cautiously c) repeatedly d) gradually

  3. To master the complex coding language, one must practice the syntax. a) briefly b) rarely c) repeatedly d) vaguely

  4. The company's stock price has been rising after the positive quarterly report. a) abruptly b) steadily c) quickly d) suddenly

  5. The architect reviewed the blueprints for any potential structural flaws. a) carelessly b) superficially c) thoroughly d) randomly


Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The technical support agent told the customer the same instructions many times. Rewrite (using "repeatedly" or a related word form):

  2. Original: Due to ongoing concerns about data privacy, the committee kept bringing up the issue. Rewrite (using "repeatedly" or a related word form):

  3. Original: The factory maintained a high level of production output without fail over the past year. Rewrite (without using "repeatedly"):


Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. repeatedly
  2. repeatedly
  3. regularly
  4. meticulously

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) repeatedly
  2. a) consistently, c) repeatedly (Both are acceptable depending on the intended nuance of emphasis over time.)
  3. c) repeatedly
  4. b) steadily
  5. c) thoroughly

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The technical support agent repeatedly told the customer the same instructions.
  2. Due to ongoing concerns about data privacy, the committee repeatedly brought up the issue.
  3. The factory consistently maintained a high level of production output over the past year.

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