THREE R'S Definition & Meaning

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three R's

plural noun

reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic, regarded as the fundamentals of education.
the fundamentals, basic knowledge, or skills of any system or field.
the three R's of good government.

three Rs

plural noun

the three skills regarded as the fundamentals of education; reading, writing, and arithmetic

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of three R's¹

First recorded in 1820–30

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of three R's¹

from the humorous spelling reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic

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Idioms and Phrases

The fundamentals of education, as in It's a terrible school; the children are not even taught the three R's. It is widely believed that Sir William Curtis, an alderman who became Lord Mayor of London, once presented a toast to the three R's—reading, riting, and rithmetic—thereby betraying his illiteracy. In any event, the term was picked up by others and so used from the early 1800s on.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

You’re in such a unique position because vintage dealers are often checking off each box in the three R’s of recycling: reduce, reuse, recycle.

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The counselor notes the neuroscientist Bruce Perry's Three R's method.

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In the foreword, J. Drew Lanham writes, “… they provide a large step forward in the Three R’s Process: to recognize, reconcile, and repair.”

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There are three R’s you need to get done over the weekend: rest, repair and recreate.

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Pop quiz: What are the three R’s?

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Three Rivers three's a crowd

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