Rote

/roʊt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The mechanical or habitual repetition of something to be learned.

The students learned the multiplication tables by rote.

A process of memorization based on repetitions rather than understanding.

While rote memorization can be effective, it may not lead to long-term comprehension of the material.

The use of habitual or mechanical methods of learning.

His rote learning approach made it difficult for him to apply concepts in real-life situations.

adjective

Relating to or characterized by mechanical repetition without understanding.

Many teachers are moving away from rote learning strategies in their classrooms.

From Middle English 'rote' (from Old French 'rote', meaning 'a round or cycle').

learn by rote

To memorize something through repetition without understanding.

rote learning

A method of education based on memorizing without comprehension.

go through the motions

To do something in a routine way without thinking or caring.

memorization

The process of committing something to memory.

recitation

The act of repeating something aloud from memory.

drill

A routine exercise or activity performed repetitively.

To do something mindlessly or without thought.

She was just going through the motions, learning it by rote.