rote

Definition

Mechanical routine; a fixed, habitual, repetitive, or mechanical course of procedure.

Etymology

From Middle English rote (“custom, habit, wont, condition, state”), further origin unknown. Found in the Middle English phrase bi rote (“by heart, according to form, expertly”), c. 1300. Some have proposed a relationship either with Old French rote/rute (“route”), or Latin rota (“wheel”) (see rotary), but the OED calls both suggestions groundless. Another explanation might be the metaphorical comparison between anything repetitive and playing the rote.

Example Sentences

• "The pastoral scenes from those commercials don’t bear too much resemblance to the rote of daily life on a farm."
• "He could perform by rote any of his roles in Shakespeare."