recapitulate
This term carries a formal, academic tone, often used in professional presentations or legal summaries to ensure clarity and consensus. It suggests a structured review rather than a casual retelling, implying a strategic condensation of information to reinforce the main thesis. In biological or musical contexts, the word describes a precise repetition of a sequence. In biology, it refers to the theory that an embryo repeats the evolutionary stages of its ancestors, while in music, it refers to the return of the primary theme in a sonata form.
Meanings
To summarize the main points of an argument, speech, or piece of writing.
"The speaker took a moment to recapitulate the key findings of the study before concluding."
To repeat the main points of something that has already been discussed.
"After the long debate, the chairperson paused to recapitulate."
To repeat a process or a sequence of stages, particularly in biological development or music.
"The embryo's development is said to recapitulate the evolutionary history of the species."