Reading Theme:
Rehearse: Definition, Examples, and Usage Tips (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：practice for performance (rehearse)
rehearse
/rɪˈhɜːrs/
v.
To practice a play, dance, or speech repeatedly to prepare for a public show.
practice for performance
➕
/ˈpræktɪs fɔːr pərˈfɔːrməns/
v.
To repeatedly go through a play, dance, or speech in preparation for a public show, ensuring all parts are perfected.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
re- (again) + herse (harrow) → to harrow again, i.e., to repeat.
💡 Mnemonic
Rehearse sounds like 're-hearse' — imagine hearing your lines again and again.
📖 Example
The cast will rehearse the opening dance number all afternoon until every move is perfectly synchronized.
The cast will rehearse the opening dance number all afternoon until every move is perfectly synchronized.
🔗 Collocations
rehearse a play – to practice a theatrical performance repeatedly
rehearse lines – to practice one's spoken lines in a script
rehearse for a concert – to practice music before a concert
🔄 Synonyms
practice (v.) – to perform an activity repeatedly to improve skill
drill (v.) – to train by repetition, often in a military or systematic manner
run through (v.) – to rehearse quickly from beginning to end
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Old French 'rehercier' meaning 'to harrow again'. The agricultural metaphor of repeatedly breaking clods evolved into practicing a performance. Modern use in theater and music.
Meaning 2：private practice or dry run (rehearse)
rehearse
/rɪˈhɜːrs/
v.
To practice something privately many times, or to tell a story or plan in detail to prepare or explain.
private practice or dry run
➕
/ˈpraɪvɪt ˈpræktɪs ɔːr draɪ rʌn/
v.
To practice something alone or go over a story or plan in detail, often to prepare for a specific event or to ensure clarity.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Before the important job interview, she stood in front of the mirror to rehearse how to best describe her strengths.
Before the important job interview, she stood in front of the mirror to rehearse how to best describe her strengths.
🔗 Collocations
rehearse a speech – to practice a speech before delivering it
rehearse one's words – to go over what one intends to say
rehearse a plan – to review a plan in detail for readiness
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
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