recapitulate - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
recapitulate Word Meanings
- to summarize the main points
- to repeat or restate briefly
- to go over again briefly
recapitulate Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
recapitulate Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˌriː.kəˈpɪt.jʊ.leɪt/
US
/ˌriː.kəˈpɪtʃ.ʊ.leɪt/
recapitulate Word Etymology
re- = again + capitulate = to head/hold (from caput, meaning 'head'). Origin: Latin → Old French → English. Picture someone summing up by holding their hands over their head, signaling a recap.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Recapitulate means to summarize the main points of something you've just reviewed or to go over it again briefly. It is often used after a meeting, lecture, or report to ensure everyone leaves with the key takeaways. In formal writing, recapitulate can sound a bit stilted; in everyday speech you might say let me recap what we discussed. When you recapitulate you should focus on core ideas, results and next steps, avoiding unnecessary details. Note that recapitulate implies repeating in a concise form rather than offering new analysis. Learners should practice noting down the gist before restating it.
Usage Reminders
- Use it to summarize key points, not to add new analysis.
- Often follows a meeting or lecture.
- Keep the restatement concise and focused on outcomes.
- Prefer formality in written contexts.
- You can use recap in casual speech, but recapitulate sounds more formal.
- Check your notes for accuracy before restating.
Common Misconceptions
- It is exactly the same as summarize in all contexts.
- It means to repeat the original wording verbatim.
- It is only used in formal writing.
- Using it implies adding new analysis.
- It is a casual everyday verb.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker: recapitulate is formal and often used after a review to restate the core points concisely; learners should avoid overusing it in casual talk and keep distinctions clear from summarize and reiterate.
Learning Tips
- Distinguish recapitulate from summarize and reiterate by noting tone and context.
- Practice recapitulating a paragraph in 2-3 sentences.
- After listening or reading, write down the gist first.
- Use recapitulate in formal contexts to sound credible.
- Swap to recap when speaking informally to sound natural.
- Study sample sentences to learn common collocations.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'recapitulate'?
A.To delay
B.To expand
C.To summarize
D.To modify
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'recapitulate' used correctly?
A.The chef had to recapitulate the new recipe for the restaurant.
B.He needed to recapitulate the leak in the roof.
C.The teacher asked the students to recapitulate the project deadline.
D.She decided to recapitulate her essay before submitting it.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'recapitulate'?
A.Expand
B.Condense
C.Revise
D.Elaborate
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'recapitulate'?
A.Clarify
B.Amplify
C.Expand
D.Abstract
Step 5: Mastery
How would you use 'recapitulate' in a real-life situation?
A.Explaining the key points of a presentation at the end
B.Adding more details to a report
C.Forgetting all the information received in a lecture
D.Making quick decisions without much thought
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