reiterar
To say something again or a number of times, typically for emphasis.
Reiterar is the formal way to repeat a message to ensure it is understood and emphasized.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To express an idea again for emphasis.
- Commonly used in formal and professional communication.
- Implies deliberate repetition for clarity or authority.
Summary
Reiterar is the formal way to repeat a message to ensure it is understood and emphasized.
- To express an idea again for emphasis.
- Commonly used in formal and professional communication.
- Implies deliberate repetition for clarity or authority.
Use for emphasis in professional settings
When writing emails or giving presentations, use 'reiterar' to highlight your most important points. It sounds much more professional than simply using 'repetir'.
Avoid overusing the word
Using 'reiterar' too frequently can make your speech sound robotic or overly bureaucratic. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like 'recalcar' or 'hacer hincapié'.
Formal tone in Spanish business culture
In many Spanish-speaking countries, formal language is highly valued in business. Using 'reiterar' demonstrates respect and clarity in professional hierarchies.
Examples
4 of 4Le reitero mis disculpas por el inconveniente.
I reiterate my apologies for the inconvenience.
El documento reitera los acuerdos alcanzados ayer.
The document reiterates the agreements reached yesterday.
Te reitero que no voy a ir a la fiesta.
I repeat to you that I am not going to the party.
El autor reitera su tesis central en el último capítulo.
The author reiterates his central thesis in the final chapter.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 're-' (again) and 'iterar' (like 'iterate' in English). If you iterate something, you repeat it; if you 're-iterate' it, you are doing it again specifically to make sure it sticks.
Overview
'Reiterar' es un verbo transitivo que deriva del latín 'reiterare'. Su función principal es la repetición deliberada de un mensaje, no por falta de claridad inicial, sino por la necesidad de otorgarle mayor peso o importancia. Es una herramienta retórica esencial para comunicar firmeza.
Usage Patterns
Se construye habitualmente con el pronombre reflexivo o como verbo transitivo directo. Es muy común encontrarlo seguido de una oración subordinada introducida por la conjunción 'que' (ej. 'Reitero que no aceptaré la propuesta'). También admite complementos directos sustantivos (ej. 'Reiterar mis disculpas').
Common Contexts
Se emplea intensamente en el ámbito laboral y jurídico. En una reunión, un jefe puede 'reiterar la importancia de los plazos'. En un juicio, un abogado puede 'reiterar su posición'. También es frecuente en discursos políticos o comunicados de prensa para fijar un mensaje clave en la audiencia.
Similar Words Comparison
Aunque 'repetir' es el sinónimo más directo, 'reiterar' posee un matiz de intencionalidad y formalidad superior. 'Insistir' implica una persistencia en la acción o el deseo, mientras que 'reiterar' se enfoca puramente en la comunicación verbal o escrita del mensaje ya expuesto.
Usage Notes
Reiterar is a formal verb that sits well in professional, legal, and academic registers. It is rarely used in casual conversation unless the speaker wants to sound firm or slightly annoyed. When using it, ensure the object of the reiteration is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse it with 'repetir' in situations where emphasis isn't the goal. Another error is using it as an intransitive verb without context, which can leave the listener wondering what exactly is being repeated. Always include the 'que' clause or the noun being reiterated.
Memory Tip
Think of the 're-' (again) and 'iterar' (like 'iterate' in English). If you iterate something, you repeat it; if you 're-iterate' it, you are doing it again specifically to make sure it sticks.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'reiterare', composed of the prefix 're-' (again) and 'iterare' (to repeat, from 'iter', meaning journey or path). It has evolved to specifically mean stating something again for emphasis.
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking professional environments, 'reiterar' is often used by superiors to give instructions or by negotiators to ensure terms are understood. It carries a tone of authority and clarity that is highly regarded in formal business correspondence.
Examples
Le reitero mis disculpas por el inconveniente.
everydayI reiterate my apologies for the inconvenience.
El documento reitera los acuerdos alcanzados ayer.
formalThe document reiterates the agreements reached yesterday.
Te reitero que no voy a ir a la fiesta.
informalI repeat to you that I am not going to the party.
El autor reitera su tesis central en el último capítulo.
academicThe author reiterates his central thesis in the final chapter.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
reiterar las gracias
to thank again
reiterar la invitación
to extend the invitation again
reiterar su apoyo
to reiterate one's support
Often Confused With
Repetir is the general term for doing something again. Reiterar is specifically for saying something again with emphasis.
Insistir focuses on the persistence of a request or idea, often despite resistance. Reiterar focuses on the act of stating it again.
Grammar Patterns
Use for emphasis in professional settings
When writing emails or giving presentations, use 'reiterar' to highlight your most important points. It sounds much more professional than simply using 'repetir'.
Avoid overusing the word
Using 'reiterar' too frequently can make your speech sound robotic or overly bureaucratic. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like 'recalcar' or 'hacer hincapié'.
Formal tone in Spanish business culture
In many Spanish-speaking countries, formal language is highly valued in business. Using 'reiterar' demonstrates respect and clarity in professional hierarchies.
Test Yourself
Completa la oración con la forma correcta de reiterar.
El director ___ su compromiso con los empleados durante la reunión.
El sujeto es 'el director' (tercera persona singular) y la acción ocurrió en el pasado.
Selecciona el mejor sinónimo según el contexto.
El profesor decidió ___ la importancia de estudiar para el examen.
Recalcar es un sinónimo cercano a reiterar cuando se trata de enfatizar algo.
Ordena las palabras para formar una frase correcta.
que / la / reitero / importante / es / puntualidad
La estructura correcta requiere el verbo seguido de la conjunción 'que' para introducir la idea.
Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsRepetir es simplemente volver a hacer o decir algo. Reiterar implica una intención específica de enfatizar el mensaje para que sea recordado o tomado en serio.
Aunque se puede usar, suena un poco rígido o excesivamente serio. En contextos informales, es más natural decir 'vuelvo a decir' o 'insisto en que'.
Sí, aunque lo más común es que lleve un objeto (qué se reitera). A veces se usa de forma absoluta si el contexto previo ya ha dejado claro el tema.
Efectivamente, el prefijo 're-' indica repetición. Por definición, solo puedes reiterar algo que ha sido mencionado al menos una vez anteriormente.
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More general words
abajo
A1Down, downstairs, below.
abandonar
B1To leave a place or person, often permanently.
abierta
A1Open (female); not closed or restricted.
abierto
A1Open.
abierto/a
A2Not closed or sealed; open.
Abrir
A1To open
absolutamente
A2Completely, totally, or without qualification.
abstención
B2Abstention, the act of refraining from voting or participation.
abstenerse
B2To abstain, refrain, or hold oneself back from doing something.
Abundancia
B2A large quantity or ample supply of something; plentifulness.
