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Literary notes about Iterate (AI summary)

In literature, the word "iterate" is often employed to convey the act of repeating or emphasizing a point. It carries a dual role as both a definition—denoting the redoubling or repeating of an idea, as noted by its Latin derivation [1]—and as a rhetorical tool that augments a narrative’s rhythm and persuasive power. For instance, a character may use it to methodically reinforce a judgment or sentiment, as illustrated by the systematic declaration of opinions [2] and the deliberate restatement of warnings [3]. In other contexts, repetition of phrases contributes to the musicality or satirical cadence of a work, with its iterative quality drawing attention to the unfolding theme [4, 5]. This layered use of "iterate" demonstrates its versatility in enhancing both the structural and emotive elements of literary expression [6].
  1. Iteráre, to iterate, to redouble, to repeate.
    — from Queen Anna's New World of Words; or, Dictionarie of the Italian and English Tongues by John Florio
  2. I prefer to iterate the verdict of all logical people, and formally to register my opinion that Robert Herrick was indisputably a lunatic.
    — from The Certain Hour (Dizain des Poëtes) by James Branch Cabell
  3. Joan made up her mind to iterate in person to the English the warnings she had given them in her letter.
    — from A Popular History of France from the Earliest Times, Volume 3 by François Guizot
  4. Ben Jonson's Alchemist, ii. 1:— 'For look, how oft I iterate the work, So many times I add unto his virtue'; &c. 686.
    — from Chaucer's Works, Volume 5 (of 7) — Notes to the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
  5. “Joan and David—partners, eh? Joan and David—partners,” Tudor began to iterate and reiterate in a malicious and scornful chant.
    — from Adventure by Jack London
  6. All they could do was to iterate their master's maxim, and declare everything to be in flux.
    — from The Life of Reason: The Phases of Human Progress by George Santayana

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