How do you use the word "recapitulate" in a sentence?

Here are real-life examples of using "recapitulate": Let me recapitulate the main points. The final chapter recapitulates the entire argument.

Recapitulate Meaning

/ɹiːkəˈpɪtʃʊleɪt/

Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Definition

verbTo summarize and state again the main points of something.

verbTo summarize or repeat in concise form.

Sentence Examples

Let me recapitulate the main points.

The final chapter recapitulates the entire argument.

Please recapitulate the most important points.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms:

repeat

Antonyms:

None

CEFR Practice Quiz

At the end of the lecture, the professor will ____ the main points for clarity.

CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)

Let me ____ the main points before we conclude the meeting.

Word Origin & History

From Late Latin recapitulātus, past participle of recapitulāre (“to go over the main points of a thing again”), from re- (“again”) + capitulum (“head, main part, chapter”), from caput (“head”) + -ulum (diminutive suffix); see capitulate. By surface analysis, re- + capitulate.

Literary Quotations & Historical Citations

"Being the Joshua/Atonement stanza of this cycle, the fact that the seven steps seem to recapitulate (or precapitulate?) the pattern of dominion is interesting. Situated at the very “gate” of Canaan, was this offer a temptation to be resisted like the plunder of Jericho (Joshua 6:18), or was it sin crouching at the door, the violence of Cain as “keeper” or shepherd over his brother (Genesis 4:7-8)? For Jacob, it was neither. He was waiting on God. For his sons, however, it was both. What Yahweh was offering freely they would take by force." — 2017 April 8, Michael Bull, “Sex, Lies, and Murder: Acts II & III”, in BibleMatrix.com, archived from the original on 16 Sep 2025:

"Similarly this concept of unity provided a powerful impetus for embryological studies and the idea that fetal development recapitulates the steps of phylogenetic development." — 1997 May, G. A. Bray, “Growth of a Molecular Base for Feeding”, in Obesity Research, volume 5, number 3, page 272:

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