noun

rote

roht

Rote (noun) means a fixed, mechanical way of doing or repeating something, without real understanding. Example: “The children memorized the poem by rote.”

noun

A fixed, mechanical way of doing or repeating something, without real understanding.

"The children memorized the poem by rote."

"Rote learning can get facts into your head without teaching you why they're true."

adj

Done automatically through repetition rather than genuine thought.

"His apology sounded rote, like he'd said it a hundred times before."

How to use rote

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMemorizing or repeating something mechanically, without necessarily understanding it.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "wrote" (past tense of write) — they sound identical but are unrelated.

Easily confused with

wrote → route →

Common pairings

rote learning by rote rote memorization

Word forms

more rote comparative, roted past tense, rotes plural, rotes singular, most rote superlative

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The children memorized the poem by _____.

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."

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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rote learning

Rhymes for rote

OTE vote note dote tote wrote quote remote coyote capote peyote devote

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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.