rote
1 of 4noun (1)
ˈrōt 
1
: the use of memory usually with little intelligence
learn by rote
2
: mechanical or unthinking routine or repetition
a joyless sense of order, rote, and commercial hustle
L. L. King
L. L. Kingrote
2 of 4adjective
1
: learned or memorized by rote
2
: mechanical sense 3a
rotely adverb
rote
3 of 4noun (2)
: crowd entry 3 sense 1
rote
4 of 4noun (3)
: the noise of surf on the shore
Synonyms
Noun (1)
- drill
- grind
- groove
- lockstep
- pattern
- routine
- rut
- treadmill
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Word History
Etymology
Noun (1)
Middle English
Noun (2)
Middle English, from Anglo-French, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German hruozza crowd
Noun (3)
perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse rauta to roar — more at rout entry 5
First Known Use
Noun (1)
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Adjective
1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun (2)
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Noun (3)
1610, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
rote
noun
ˈrōt
: the act of repeating over and over often without attention to meaning
I learned the poem by rote.
rotes
noun
as in grinds
an established and often automatic or monotonous series of actions followed when engaging in some activity learned the rote for the exercise warm-up but not the reasoning behind it Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- grinds
- routines
- grooves
- patterns
- drills
- ruts
- habits
- locksteps
- methods
- techniques
- practices
- strategies
- procedures
- traditions
- tricks
- customs
- tacks
- practises
- treadmills
- styles
- schemes
- housekeepings
- plans
- approaches
- programs
- regimens
- conventions
- policies
- wonts
- fashions
- designs
- manners
- ways
- daily dozens