Definition

To regurgitate means to bring back food or liquid into the mouth after it has been swallowed or to repeat something without thinking or understanding it.

Pronunciation

US English

UK English

Part of speech

Verb

Synonyms

Vomit, spew, heave, retch, echo, parrot, reiterate, repeat

Antonyms

Ingest, consume, absorb, comprehend, analyze, synthesize, create

Example sentences

  • The baby regurgitated his food all over the bib.
  • The bird regurgitated the worm for its young ones to eat.
  • The teacher warned the students not to regurgitate the textbook information but to think critically and apply it in real-life situations.
  • The politician just regurgitated the same old speeches, without offering any new ideas or solutions.

Usage

The word “regurgitate” comes from the Latin word “regurgitare” which means “to overflow”. It can be used in different contexts, including biology, zoology, and education. In the context of biology, regurgitation refers to the process by which certain animals bring back partially digested food from their stomach to their mouth, for either self-consumption or to feed their young ones.

In an educational setting, regurgitation refers to the act of repeating memorized information without understanding or analyzing it. This is often seen as a negative aspect of education, as it does not promote critical thinking or problem-solving skills. Teachers often encourage students to move beyond regurgitation and apply their learning in real-life situations.

In a social context, regurgitation can also refer to the repetition of opinions or ideas without any original thought or critical analysis. It is often used to criticize politicians or public figures who repeat the same talking points without offering any new insights or ideas.

The word “regurgitate” can also be used metaphorically to describe the feeling of intense emotional distress or discomfort. For example, a person might say, “I felt like I was going to regurgitate when I heard the news.” In this context, the word conveys a sense of intense physical and emotional discomfort