Words / C1

REP-uh-twah/ˈrepətwɑː/

A repertoire is the set of works or skills you can actually perform: a pianist’s repertoire, a repertoire of excuses. Collection is everyday and can sit on a shelf unused; repertoire implies ready to use. Repertory theatre is a related company sense. Do not call a single party piece a repertoire.

Meaning

The set of works, skills, or methods a person or group can perform.

Examples

• “A small repertoire of linking phrases is not a writing style.”
• “Her teaching repertoire included three ways to start a paragraph, not fifty slogans.”
• “A choir’s repertoire is what it can sing next week, not the CDs in the cupboard.”

Good to know

The set you can perform/use. Everyday: range / collection (weaker). Theatre: repertory. Not one item.

Near in meaning

range

New