recapitulate
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˌriːkəˈpɪtʃʊleɪt/
KK: /ˌriːkəˈpɪtʃʊleɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To summarize or restate the main points of something.
Example
At the end of the lecture, the professor will recapitulate the key concepts discussed.
Tense Forms
Past: recapitulated
Past Participle: recapitulated
Conversation
Can you help me recapitulate the main points from the meeting yesterday?
Sure! I think we covered a lot of important topics.
It would really help me to have a clear summary to reference later.
No problem, I can write that up for you.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
summarize
review
reiterate
Antonyms
ignore
neglect
overlook
transitive verb
Definition
To summarize or restate the main points of something in a clear and concise way.
Example
In her presentation, she will recapitulate the key findings of the research.
Tense Forms
Past: recapitulated
Past Participle: recapitulated
Conversation
Can you help me recapitulate the main points from the lecture yesterday?
Sure! I remember the key arguments we discussed.
Great! I just want to make sure I didn't miss anything important.
Root Explanation
Recapitulate → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "capitulum" (from Latin, meaning a small head or section). The word means to summarize or repeat the main points again, as if going over the 'heads' or sections of a discussion.
Memory Tip
Think of going over the 'heads' or main points of a discussion 'again' — that's what recapitulate means.
Visually Confused Words
capitulate
capitoulate
decapitate
capitulant
capitate