répétition

Répétition is a French noun that denotes the act of repeating something or the result of that action. The term stems from Latin repetitio, and it is used across disciplines to describe recurrence in time, space, sound, or action.

In the performing arts, répé tition refers to a practice session held to prepare a performance. It can involve actors, singers, dancers, or musicians working through parts, cues, and staging before a public premiere. A répé tition générale, or dress rehearsal, is the final full run-through before a performance opens. A répétiteur is a person who coaches performers, particularly singers, and plays a guiding role during rehearsals.

In music, répétition often means the repetition of a musical motif, phrase, or section to establish structure and coherence. Repetition is a fundamental element in many forms, including form, variation, and development, and helps listeners recognize themes and contrast. It can occur at various scales, from short rhythmic figures to entire movements.

In literature and rhetoric, répé tition is a stylistic device involving the reuse of words or phrases for emphasis, cohesion, or rhetorical effect. Examples include anaphora (repetition at the beginning of clauses) and epiphora (repetition at the end of clauses). Repetition can also appear in poetry, prose, and spoken language to reinforce meaning or create musicality.

In education and cognitive science, repetition is a key factor in learning and memory. Techniques such as spaced repetition distribute practice over time to improve retention and recall. The concept also appears in therapy and habit formation, where repeated actions contribute to skill acquisition and behavior change.