rehearse
rih-HERSS
/rɪˈhɜːrs/
To practice a play, piece of music, or public address before giving a public performance.
Implies structured, repetitive practice specifically aimed at preparing for a public presentation, unlike generic 'practice' which can be unstructured.
The story behind the word. The word 'rehearse' has surprisingly agricultural roots. It comes from the Old French 'rehercier', which literally meant 'to rake over again' or 'to harrow the land'. Just as a farmer rakes the soil repeatedly to prepare it for seeds, an actor rakes over their lines repeatedly to prepare for the stage.
Word relationships
- practice: 'Practice' is a broad term for repeating an activity to improve, while 'rehearse' specifically prepares for a public performance.
- run through: 'Run through' is more informal and implies a quick, continuous rehearsal without stopping for corrections.
- improvise: 'Improvise' means to perform spontaneously without any prior preparation or rehearsal.
Commonly confused with
- recite: 'Recite' means to repeat aloud from memory, whereas 'rehearse' is the entire process of practicing a performance.
Word family
- rehearsal (noun): A session of practice for a performance.
Collocations
- rehearse a scene
- rehearse a speech
- rehearse thoroughly
Idioms & expressions
- well-rehearsed argument
Example sentences
- "I will rehearse; for I must go." A classic Shakespearean rehearsal instruction.
- "The CEO spent the entire weekend rehearsing her keynote speech to ensure the timing was perfect." Preparing for a high-stakes business presentation.
Memory hook
Think of 're-hear-sing'. You practice so you can 'hear' yourself 'sing' (or speak) the lines correctly 're'-peatedly. Rake over your lines until they are perfect.
When not to use
Do not use for general skill acquisition (e.g., you don't 'rehearse' learning how to ride a bicycle).
Fun facts
- The agricultural connection of 'rehearse' survived in English until the 16th century before the word became exclusively associated with performance.
Explore more words
rehearsal, iterate, orchestrate, commemorate, impromptu, liturgy
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