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
1
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
1
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 notesIn 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.
Common pairings
rote learning
by rote
rote memorization
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Word forms
- Plural
- rotes
- Third person singular
- rotes
- Past tense
- roted
- Comparative
- more rote
- Superlative
- most rote
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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."
Synonyms
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rote learning
Rhymes for rote
See all rhymes for 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.
