rehearse
UK[rɪˈhɜːs]US[rɪˈhɜːrs]
v
to practise a play, piece of music, etc. in order to prepare it for public performance
v
to repeat an idea or opinion that has often been expressed before
Morpheme Breakdown
re
hearse
re
again
hearse
to harrow, to rake over
Etymology
the word "rehearse" originates from the anglo-french 'rehercer', meaning "to go over again, repeat". this, in turn, derives from old french 'rehercier' (re- "again" + hercier "to harrow, to rake"), where 'hercier' comes from 'herce', a harrow—a farming implement with spikes used to break up soil. the literal sense was "to rake over," which evolved metaphorically into the idea of going over something repeatedly, much like raking soil. by the late 14th century, this meaning had specialized to the practice of repeating words or actions in preparation for a performance or recital, giving us the modern abstract meaning.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + hearse (to harrow, to rake over)
- re: a prefix of latin origin meaning "again, back".
- hearse: from middle english 'herse', old french 'herce', ultimately from latin 'hirpex' meaning a large rake or harrow. in this word, it functions as a root with the sense of "to rake over, to go over repeatedly".
Examples
the cast will rehearse the final scene this afternoon.
he rehearsed his speech in front of the mirror several times.
you're just rehearsing the same old arguments instead of listening.