reprise
UK[rɪˈpriːz]US[rɪˈpriːz]
n
a repeated passage in music or a repeated section in a performance.
n
a recurrence or renewal of an action or event.
v
to repeat a piece of music or a performance.
Etymology
The word "reprise" entered English in the 15th century from the Old French verb "reprendre," meaning "to take back, resume, or repeat." This Old French term is itself derived from the Latin "reprehendere," which means "to take hold of again, recover, or blame." The semantic journey shifted from the general idea of taking something back to the specific artistic and legal contexts of repetition or resumption. In modern English, its core logic retains this sense of "taking up again," whether referring to a musical repeat, a renewed action, or the act of performing something again.
Analysis
n/a
Examples
The orchestra played a brief reprise of the main theme at the end of the movement.
The company's annual report showed a reprise of last year's strong financial results.
The actor agreed to reprise his iconic role for the film's sequel.