Recap

Recap

Verb & Noun · /ˈriːkæp/ · to summarise the key points of something already said or done

Definition

To recap means to give a concise summary of the main points — returning to what was already covered and presenting it in a shortened, refreshed form. As a noun, a recap is that summary itself. It is the bridge between what was said and what comes next, used in meetings, podcasts, TV episodes, lectures, and everyday conversation to orient the listener and anchor key ideas before moving on.

Origin

Recap is a clipped form of recapitulate, from Latin recapitulare — re- (again) + caput (head, main point). To recapitulate literally meant to go through the headings again. The shortened form recap entered everyday English in the early 20th century and quickly became the standard word in broadcast media, business, and education.