"Thoughtless repetition," lecturer's marked on paper (4)

I believe the answer is:

rote

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'thoughtless repetition' is the definition.
'rote' can be an answer for 'repetition' (I've seen this before). I'm unsure of the 'thoughtless' bit.

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rote that I've seen before include "Repetition from memory" , "Memorisation by repetition" , "Learn by . . . . to have off by heart" , "Unthinking repetition" , "By . . . . - by memory without thinking" .)

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