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1

rote

noun \ ˈrōt \

Definition of rote

1 : the use of memory usually with little intelligence
  • learn by rote
2 : mechanical or unthinking routine or repetition
  • a joyless sense of order, rote, and commercial hustle
  • —L. L. King

Origin and Etymology of rote

Middle English

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, refrain, riff, segue

2

rote

adjective

Definition of rote

1 : learned or memorized by rote
2 : mechanical 3a
—

rotely

adverb

First Known Use of rote

1844

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler
3

rote

noun

Definition of rote

: 3crowd 1

Origin and Etymology of rote

Middle English, from Anglo-French, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German hruozza crowd

Other Education Terms

baccalaureate, colloquium, corequisite, dissertation, monograph, pedant, practicum, survey course, thesis

4

rote

noun

Definition of rote

: the noise of surf on the shore

Origin and Etymology of rote

perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse rauta to roar — more at rout

ROTE Defined for Kids

rote

noun \ ˈrōt \

Definition of rote for Students

: the act of repeating over and over often without attention to meaning
  • I learned the poem by rote.

Learn More about rote

  1. See words that rhyme with rote Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rote Spanish Central: Translation of rote Britannica English: Translation of rote for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rote

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