What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rote
Example
She learned the multiplication table by rote. [rote: noun]
Example
He recited the poem by rote, but didn't really understand its meaning. [rote: adverb]
drill
Example
The basketball coach had the team do shooting drills to improve their accuracy. [drills: noun]
Example
The teacher drilled the students on their spelling words until they could spell them correctly. [drilled: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Drill is more commonly used than rote in everyday language. Drill is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while rote is less common and refers specifically to memorization through repetition.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rote and drill?
Both rote and drill can be used in formal and informal contexts, but rote may be perceived as more formal due to its association with academic or intellectual contexts.
