rote

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   memorization or learning through repetition, often without full understanding

   The class learned the multiplication table by rote before applying it to problems.

2. 2
   adj

   performed mechanically from habit or repetition, with little thought or originality

   Her apology sounded rote because she repeated the same words to everyone.

From Middle English rote, first recorded in the phrase by rote and in the sense 'habit or custom.' Its deeper origin is unknown; proposed links to route or Latin rota, 'wheel,' are not securely established. The adjective developed from the noun's idea of unthinking repetition.

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