Definition

Repertoire refers to the collection or range of skills, abilities, or items that a person or group possesses, particularly in the fields of music, theater, or art. It can also refer to the set of skills or resources that someone has available for dealing with different situations.

Pronunciation

US English

UK English

Part of Speech

Noun

Synonyms

Catalog, collection, range, inventory, stock, selection, portfolio

Antonyms

Limitation, deficiency, scarcity

Word Forms

Part of Speech Words
Noun repertoires, repertoire
Verb None
Adjective None
Adverb None

Example Sentences

  • The jazz band had an impressive repertoire of songs spanning several decades.

  • The chef’s repertoire included both classic and modern French cuisine.

  • The theater company’s repertoire was well-known for its unique and experimental plays.

  • As a therapist, she had a wide repertoire of techniques to help her clients with different issues.

Usage

The term “repertoire” is often used in the context of the performing arts, where it refers to the collection of works that a musician, actor, or dancer can perform. In music, for example, a repertoire may refer to the range of compositions that a soloist or ensemble can play. Similarly, in theater, the term refers to the set of plays that a company has in its current season or can perform in general.

In addition to its use in the arts, repertoire can also refer to the range of skills or knowledge that a person has in any field. For example, a salesperson may have a repertoire of different sales techniques that they can use depending on the situation, or a writer may have a repertoire of different genres and writing styles.

The term “repertoire” is derived from the French word “répertoire,” which means “list” or “inventory.” It is often used in the context of education and learning, where it refers to the set of skills or knowledge that a student has mastered or is in the process of mastering.

There are various ways in which the word “repertoire” can be modified through prefixes, suffixes, and other forms. For example, “repertoire building” refers to the process of expanding one’s repertoire, while “repertory” is a variation of the word that is often used to describe a theater company or the plays that it performs. The word “repertoire” can also be used as an adjective, as in “repertoire skills” or “repertoire knowledge,” to describe the range of skills or knowledge that someone possesses.