To recapitulate
Academic essay writing expression
직역: To go back through the headings
Use it to summarize complex ideas in formal writing or professional presentations.
15초 만에
- A formal way to summarize the main points of a discussion.
- Used primarily in academic writing, presentations, and professional reports.
- Often shortened to 'recap' in casual or business-casual settings.
뜻
It means to briefly repeat the main points of what you just said or wrote. Think of it as a quick 'highlights reel' for a long conversation or a serious document.
주요 예문
3 / 6Ending a university lecture
To recapitulate, the three main causes of the war were economic, social, and political.
To summarize, the three main causes of the war were economic, social, and political.
Closing a business proposal
Before we finish, let me recapitulate our strategy for the next quarter.
Before we finish, let me summarize our strategy for the next quarter.
Writing a formal essay
To recapitulate the arguments presented above, technology has both helped and hindered human connection.
To summarize the arguments presented above, technology has both helped and hindered human connection.
문화적 배경
The term has strong roots in classical rhetoric and Latin scholarship. It gained popularity in English during the 16th century as a way for scholars to structure complex arguments. Today, using the full form 'recapitulate' instead of the short 'recap' signals that you are in a high-stakes academic or professional environment.
The 'Recap' Shortcut
In 90% of daily conversations, just say `recap`. It is the friendly version that won't make you sound like a 19th-century professor.
Don't Repeat Everything
A recapitulation should be short. If you talk for as long as the original explanation, you aren't recapitulating; you're just being repetitive!
15초 만에
- A formal way to summarize the main points of a discussion.
- Used primarily in academic writing, presentations, and professional reports.
- Often shortened to 'recap' in casual or business-casual settings.
What It Means
Imagine you just gave a 20-minute speech. Your friends look a bit confused. You need to save the day. To recapitulate is your superhero move. It means you are going to repeat the main points. You aren't telling the whole story again. You are just giving the 'highlights reel.' It is like the 'Previously on...' segment at the start of a TV show. You help people remember the important stuff.
How To Use It
You usually place this at the very end. It acts as a bridge to your conclusion. You can say, "To recapitulate, we need more coffee." It signals to everyone that the talking is almost done. Use it to group three or four big ideas together. It makes you sound very organized and thoughtful. Just do not use it for every single sentence. That would be very annoying for your listeners. Keep it for the big finish.
When To Use It
This word loves the spotlight in formal settings. Use it during a university presentation. It works great in a long business proposal. If you are writing a serious essay, it is perfect. It shows you have a high level of English. It tells the reader you are in control. You can also use it in a serious debate. It helps keep the argument focused on the facts. It is the gold standard for academic writing.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this word at a loud party. If you say it to a bartender, they might laugh. It is way too stiff for a first date. "To recapitulate, I like movies" sounds like a robot talking. Do not use it for simple things either. If you are just explaining how to toast bread, keep it simple. It can make you sound a bit arrogant if used wrongly. Use it when the topic actually deserves a summary.
Cultural Background
The word comes from the Latin word capitulum. This means 'little head' or 'chapter.' In the past, books were divided into these 'heads.' To recapitulate meant to go back through the headings. It has always been a 'smart' word. It carries the weight of history and education. In modern times, we use the short version recap constantly. But the full version stays in the halls of power and academia.
Common Variations
The most famous variation is definitely to recap. Everyone uses recap in offices and on the news. You might also hear to sum up. That one is much more friendly and casual. In short is another quick way to say it. If you want to be very fancy, try to reiterate. However, reiterate means to say something again for emphasis. Recapitulate is specifically about summarizing a whole section of information.
사용 참고사항
This phrase is strictly formal. Use the full version in essays or professional presentations, but stick to 'recap' for emails and casual chats to avoid sounding pretentious.
The 'Recap' Shortcut
In 90% of daily conversations, just say `recap`. It is the friendly version that won't make you sound like a 19th-century professor.
Don't Repeat Everything
A recapitulation should be short. If you talk for as long as the original explanation, you aren't recapitulating; you're just being repetitive!
The Academic Signal
In British and American universities, using `recapitulate` in an essay is a 'power move' that signals you understand formal academic conventions.
예시
6To recapitulate, the three main causes of the war were economic, social, and political.
To summarize, the three main causes of the war were economic, social, and political.
This helps students identify the most important information before the class ends.
Before we finish, let me recapitulate our strategy for the next quarter.
Before we finish, let me summarize our strategy for the next quarter.
Using this word makes the speaker sound authoritative and organized.
To recapitulate the arguments presented above, technology has both helped and hindered human connection.
To summarize the arguments presented above, technology has both helped and hindered human connection.
This is a classic transition phrase for a concluding paragraph.
To recapitulate: you lost your phone, missed the bus, and now you're wearing my shoes.
To sum it up: you lost your phone, missed the bus, and now you're wearing my shoes.
The high formality of the word creates a funny contrast with the silly situation.
If I were to recapitulate our years together, I would simply say they were the best of my life.
If I were to summarize our years together, I would simply say they were the best of my life.
This uses the word in a more poetic, slightly old-fashioned way.
Let me briefly recapitulate the safety procedures before we begin the hike.
Let me briefly summarize the safety procedures before we begin the hike.
Ensures everyone is on the same page regarding important rules.
셀프 테스트
Choose the correct word to finish the formal presentation.
To ___, the project is on budget and ahead of schedule.
`Recapitulate` is the most appropriate choice for a formal summary of a project's status.
Which version is most likely used in a casual text message?
Can you give me a quick ___ of what I missed at the party?
`Recap` is the shortened, informal version of `recapitulate` used in daily life.
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시각 학습 자료
Formality Spectrum of Summarizing
Used with friends or in quick texts.
Give me a recap.
Common in daily office life.
To sum up...
Used in academic essays.
In summary...
Used in high-level research or speeches.
To recapitulate...
Where to use 'To Recapitulate'
University Thesis
Summarizing findings in the conclusion.
Legal Courtroom
A lawyer summarizing the evidence.
Scientific Journal
The abstract or conclusion of a paper.
Boardroom Meeting
Reviewing the final decisions made.
자주 묻는 질문
12 질문It means to summarize the main points of something you just explained. It is like giving a short review of the big ideas.
Not exactly. To repeat means to say the same thing again, while to recapitulate means to summarize the most important parts briefly.
You can, but it might sound like a joke. Use recap instead if you want to be normal, or recapitulate if you want to sound funny and overly serious.
It is pronounced re-ca-PIT-u-late. The stress is on the 'PIT' syllable.
Yes, especially in formal reports or at the end of very long meetings. It helps ensure everyone remembers the key takeaways.
Recap is informal and used everywhere. Recapitulate is very formal and mostly used in writing or official speeches.
Usually, no. You recapitulate things that have already been said. Use it at the end or after a major section.
Yes, it is considered a C1/C2 level word. It shows a high level of education and vocabulary.
No, you can recapitulate events, musical themes, or even a series of historical facts in a book.
The most common synonyms are to summarize, to sum up, or to outline.
Yes, scientists often use it to summarize their experimental results before moving to the discussion section.
It is not 'dead,' but it is definitely traditional. It feels more formal than modern slang.
관련 표현
To sum up
A neutral way to give a summary.
In a nutshell
An informal way to summarize something very briefly.
To wrap up
To finish a discussion by reviewing the main points.
To reiterate
To say something again for emphasis (not necessarily a summary).
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