Episode Overview

Main Theme:
This episode of Merriam-Webster's "Word of the Day" focuses on the word repertoire. Host Peter Sokolowski explores its definitions, origins, examples, and related terms, illustrating how "repertoire" is used in modern English.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Definition & Usage (00:42)

• Spelling & Part of Speech:

  • "Repertoire. Spelled R E P E R T O I R E. Repertoire is a noun." — Peter Sokolowski, 00:42

• Primary Meaning:

  • A list or supply of plays, songs, or dances a company or person is prepared to perform.

• Broader Use:

  • Can also refer to a range of skills, devices, or any amount/supply relevant to a person's or group's abilities.

• Example in a Sentence:

  • "Rebecca Roudman is best known as the frontwoman for Dirty Cello, a hard working band that has honed a rollicking repertoire of rock anthems, bluegrass standards and Americana originals." — Peter Sokolowski, quoting Mercury News, 01:09

Etymology & Related Words (01:30)

• Origin:

  • Derived from the Late Latin noun repertorium (meaning "list") and borrowed into French as répertoire before entering English.

• Related Term: "Repertory"

  • "Repertory, perhaps most commonly known as a word for a company that presents several different plays, operas or other works at one theater, as well as the theatre where such works are performed." — Peter Sokolowski, 01:39
  • Originally, "repertoire" and "repertory" meant the same thing, but now "repertoire" more often refers to the collection of works performed or, by extension, a range of a person's skills (e.g., a chef’s specialties or a baseball player's different pitches).

• Development of Meaning:

  • The word broadened from exclusive use in the arts to refer more generally to any set of skills or specialties someone possesses.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Primary Definition Delivery:
  • "Repertoire is a noun. It typically refers to a list or supply of plays, songs or dances that a company or person is prepared to perform." — Peter Sokolowski, 00:43
• Contemporary Example:
  • "Rebecca Roudman is best known as the frontwoman for Dirty Cello, a hard working band that has honed a rollicking repertoire of rock anthems, bluegrass standards and Americana originals." — Peter Sokolowski (quoting Mercury News), 01:09
• Etymological Insight:
  • "The late Latin noun repertorium, meaning list, has given English two words related to the broad range of things that someone or something can do." — Peter Sokolowski, 01:29
• Difference from Related Word:
  • "Repertoire... once meant the same thing as repertory, but later came to refer to the works a company performs or, in extended use, to a range of skills that a person has..." — Peter Sokolowski, 01:55

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:42 — Introduction and spelling of "repertoire"
• 00:43 — Definition of "repertoire" as a noun, primary and extended meanings
• 01:09 — Usage example featuring Rebecca Roudman and Dirty Cello
• 01:29 — Etymology: from repertorium to English via French
• 01:39 — "Repertory" relation and differences
• 01:55 — Broader modern applications of "repertoire"
• 02:15 — [End of content; outro prompt for more word resources]

Tone & Style

The episode maintains Merriam-Webster's signature style: clear, educational, and concise, focusing on both the linguistic roots and practical, modern usage of the word. Peter Sokolowski's tone is informative yet accessible, making etymology and vocabulary enhancement enjoyable for all listeners.