Iterate: meaning, definitions and examples

🔄

Add to dictionary

iterate

[ˈɪtəreɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in programming

To perform a set of instructions repeatedly, usually in a loop. It allows for efficient execution of tasks without having to write the same code multiple times.

Synonyms

cycle, loop, repeat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
iterate	Used when you talk about doing something over and over again, especially to improve it or get closer to a goal. Commonly used in coding, product development, and scientific processes. We need to iterate on the design to make it perfect. The algorithm iterates through the data until it finds the correct value.
loop	Commonly used in programming to describe a set of instructions that is repeated until a certain condition is met. Can also mean being stuck in a repetitive situation. The while loop continues until the condition is false. She felt like she was stuck in a loop of endless meetings.
repeat	Used generally when something is done again in the exact same way. Common in everyday language and instructions. I didn't hear you; can you please repeat that? The song kept repeating on the radio.
cycle	Used when discussing repeated sequences in a system, nature, or process. Often implies a repetitive and predictable pattern. The life cycle of a butterfly includes several stages. The washing machine runs through its cycles automatically.

Examples of usage

The programmer used a for loop to iterate through the elements of the array.
The function iterates over the list to find the maximum value.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in discussions

To discuss or examine a topic or idea in a systematic way, often in a step-by-step manner. It involves going through each aspect or element in detail.

Synonyms

discuss, examine, review.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
iterate	Used when referring to the process of repeating something, often to improve it or develop it further. Commonly used in a technical or programming context. We need to iterate the design until we achieve the desired outcome. The software developers will iterate on the code to fix the bugs.
discuss	Used when two or more people talk about a topic to share ideas, opinions, or information. Suitable for meetings, classrooms, and casual conversations. We should discuss the project details in our next meeting. The students were asked to discuss the novel in small groups.
review	Used when assessing or looking over something again to make improvements, corrections, or to give feedback. Often applicable in academic, professional, and creative fields. The manager will review the reports before the presentation. Teachers often review students' assignments to provide feedback.
examine	Used when closely inspecting or analyzing something in detail, typically to understand it better or to find important information. Suitable for academic, scientific, or investigative contexts. The doctor needs to examine the patient to diagnose the illness. Researchers will examine the data to find patterns and correlations.

Examples of usage

Let's iterate on this proposal to address all potential concerns.
We need to iterate through all the points raised in the meeting.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the Latin word 'iterare', meaning 'to repeat'.
In the 15th century, it started being used in English to refer to repeating an action.
The concept of 'iteration' began to gain popularity in the context of mathematics during the 20th century.

Technology

Software development often relies on iterative processes, allowing teams to improve a product gradually based on user feedback.
In computer programming, iterations are fundamental, enabling loops that perform actions repeatedly until a condition is met.
Agile methodology is a project management approach that emphasizes iteration for flexibility and continuous improvement.

Science

In scientific research, iterative experiments are conducted to refine hypotheses and improve accuracy.
Mathematicians frequently use iterative methods to solve complex equations by making successive approximations.
Biological processes, like evolution, can be seen as iterative, with species gradually changing through successive generations.

Education

Iterative learning encourages students to revisit materials, reinforcing knowledge through repeated practice.
Many educational programs use iterative assessments, where students can redo tests to improve their scores.
Project-based learning often incorporates iteration, allowing students to revise and enhance their projects based on feedback.

Art and Design

Artists often iterate on their work, creating multiple drafts or versions before arriving at the final piece.
In design, iterative processes help refine user interfaces to enhance usability and aesthetics.
Film directors may use iterative editing, adjusting scenes multiple times to achieve the desired outcome.

Translations

Translations of the word "iterate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 iterar

🇮🇳 पुनरावृत्ति करना

🇩🇪 iterieren

🇮🇩 iterasi

🇺🇦 ітерація

🇵🇱 iterować

🇯🇵 繰り返す (kurikaesu)

🇫🇷 itérer

🇪🇸 iterar

🇹🇷 yinelemek

🇰🇷 반복하다 (banbokhada)

🇸🇦 يتكرر (yatakarrar)

🇨🇿 iterovat

🇸🇰 iterovať

🇨🇳 迭代 (diédài)

🇸🇮 iterirati

🇮🇸 ítreka

🇰🇿 қайталау

🇬🇪 გაიმეორე (gaimeore)

🇦🇿 təkrarlamaq

🇲🇽 iterar

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,315, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
29312 starling
29313 triptych
29314 recapitulated
29315 iterate
29316 hollering
29317 gayest
29318 majored
...