rote
1 synonym for rote, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A fixed, mechanical way of doing or repeating something, without real understanding.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
rote learning
How to use rote
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
rote learning
by rote
rote memorization
Etymology
From Middle English rote, "custom, habit," seen in the old phrase "bi rote" (by heart) — its deeper origin is uncertain, and despite the tempting resemblance, dictionaries don't actually connect it to "rotary" or "wheel."
Full origin of rote →Frequently asked questions
What does “rote” mean?
The word “rote” means a fixed, mechanical way of doing or repeating something, without real understanding. In plain terms, memorizing or repeating something mechanically, without necessarily understanding it.
How do you pronounce “rote”?
“Rote” is pronounced roht (/ɹoʊt/ in IPA).
How do you use “rote” in a sentence?
Here is “rote” used in a sentence: “The children memorized the poem by rote.”
What part of speech is “rote”?
Depending on how it is used, “rote” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “rote” come from?
The word “rote” comes from Middle English.
How many meanings does “rote” have?
“Rote” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a fixed, mechanical way of doing or repeating something, without real understanding.
