Meanings
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1
verb
to practise a play, piece of music, speech, or other performance before presenting it publicly
The cast will rehearse the final scene on the main stage tonight.
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2
verb
to practise privately or mentally what one plans to say or do
She rehearsed her explanation several times before entering the meeting.
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3
verb
formal, often disapproving: to repeat or recount an argument, opinion, or sequence of events
The witness rehearsed the familiar account without adding any new detail.
Thesaurus
Etymology
From Middle English rehersen, from Anglo-Norman reherser ("repeat word for word"). The older French verb may literally have meant "harrow again," suggesting going back over the same ground; the performance sense developed from repeated practice.