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Cyclical Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cyclical

[ˈsaɪklɪkəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in finance

Relating to or characterized by cycles, such as the regular recurrence in financial markets of a boom followed by a bust.

Synonyms

periodic, recurrent, repetitive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cyclical

Appropriate for describing processes or events that happen in cycles, particularly in economics, nature, or industry.

  • The economy often follows a cyclical pattern of growth and recession
  • Seasonal changes are cyclical
periodic

Best used for events or actions that occur at regular intervals; often in formal or scientific contexts.

  • The committee holds periodic meetings to review progress
  • The periodic table is fundamental in chemistry
recurrent

Useful when talking about events or problems that happen repeatedly over a period of time, with a hint of them being unwelcome.

  • He suffered from recurrent headaches
  • Power cuts are a recurrent issue in the area
repetitive

Applied when referring to something that involves repeating the same action or task, often implying it is monotonous or boring.

  • Her job includes a lot of repetitive tasks
  • Repetitive strain injury is common in office workers

Examples of usage

  • The cyclical nature of the stock market can lead to unpredictable fluctuations in prices.
  • Economists study the cyclical patterns of economic growth and contraction.
Context #2 | Adjective

in science

Occurring in or having regular cycles.

Synonyms

periodic, recurring, regular.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cyclical

Used to describe events or phenomena that happen in cycles, often with a predictable pattern. Suitable for discussing financial markets, weather patterns, or biological processes.

  • The economy goes through cyclical phases of growth and recession.
  • Cyclical weather patterns have a significant impact on agriculture.
periodic

Applies to events or actions that occur at intervals, often with some regularity but not necessarily forming a cycle. Commonly used in scientific and technical contexts.

  • Periodic maintenance of the machine is crucial for its longevity.
  • The lights turned off at periodic intervals due to a malfunction.
regular

Indicates something happening at consistent, evenly spaced intervals. Often used in everyday language for schedules, habits, and routines.

  • He takes his medication at regular times every day.
  • We have regular team meetings every Monday.
recurring

Describes something that happens repeatedly, often in a way that feels continuous or expected. Can be used both in positive and negative contexts.

  • She has recurring dreams about flying.
  • The company faces recurring issues with their software updates.

Examples of usage

  • The study of cyclical phenomena such as weather patterns.
  • Cyclical changes in the environment can have long-term effects on ecosystems.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In nature, many processes, like the water cycle, show cyclical behavior as water evaporates, rains down, and returns to the oceans.
  • Biological rhythms in animals, such as circadian rhythms, are also cyclical, repeating every 24 hours.

Culture

  • Many cultures celebrate cyclical events, like festivals that mark the seasons or lunar phases, emphasizing the passage of time.
  • Art often reflects cyclical themes, portraying life's recurring struggles and joys, as seen in classic literature and mythology.

Psychology

  • People often experience cyclical patterns of behavior, like seasonal mood changes related to their environment.
  • The concept of 'cyclical time' in some philosophies suggests that time is not linear but a repeating cycle, influencing how cultures view life and death.

Economics

  • Economic cycles refer to the fluctuations in economic activity, where periods of growth and recession repeat over time.
  • Understanding cyclical trends helps economists predict future market conditions based on past behaviors.

Origin of 'cyclical'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'kyklos,' meaning 'circle.' This reflects the idea of going around.
  • In the 16th century, it began to be used in English to describe various repeating patterns.

The word 'cyclical' is derived from the noun 'cycle', which comes from the Latin word 'cyclus' and the Greek word 'kuklos', both meaning 'circle' or 'ring'. The concept of cycles has been observed in various fields such as finance, science, and nature, leading to the development of the adjective 'cyclical' to describe phenomena that occur in regular patterns or cycles.

See also: bicycle, cycle, cycles, cyclic, cycling, cyclist, recycle, upcycle.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,141, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.