Recurrence: meaning, definitions and examples
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recurrence
[rɪˈkʌrəns ]
Definitions
mathematics
The reappearance of a particular event, situation, or phenomenon.
Synonyms
reappearance, reiteration, repetition, return.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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recurrence |
Used in contexts where something happens again and is often unwanted or problematic, such as in medical or technical issues.
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repetition |
Refers to the act of doing or saying something again, commonly used in educational or instructional settings, as well as to emphasize monotony.
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reappearance |
Appropriate when something or someone that has been absent shows up again, often unexpectedly.
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return |
Best used when someone or something comes back to a place or situation they previously left, can be both positive and negative.
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reiteration |
Used when emphasizing or stressing a point by stating it again, often in formal or serious settings.
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Examples of usage
- The recurrence of the same number in the sequence indicates a pattern.
- There is a recurrence of the same error in the calculations.
- The recurrence of the problem suggests a deeper issue.
- The recurrence of droughts in the region is a cause for concern.
- Recurrence in the stock market is common during certain economic cycles.
medicine
The return of a disease or symptoms after a period of improvement.
Synonyms
flare-up, relapse, resurgence, return.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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recurrence |
Used when referring to something happening again, especially after a period of time. Often used in medical, academic, and technical contexts.
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return |
A general term used for something coming back or happening again after a period of absence. It is widely applicable in different contexts.
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relapse |
Commonly used in medical or addiction recovery contexts to describe a return to a previous state, often worse, after a period of improvement. It has a negative connotation.
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resurgence |
Used to describe a rising or increase in activity, interest, or energy after a period of decline. It often has a positive connotation.
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flare-up |
Used to describe a sudden and often intense increase in activity, symptoms, or emotions, frequently in medical or conflict situations. It usually carries a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The patient experienced a recurrence of the flu symptoms.
- There was a recurrence of the cancer after several months of remission.
- Recurrence of the infection is possible if not treated properly.
- The recurrence of the pain indicates a need for further medical evaluation.
linguistics
The repetition of a sound, syllable, word, or phrase within a sentence or discourse.
Synonyms
iteration, redundancy, reiteration, repetition.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
recurrence |
Recurrence is best used when describing something that happens again, usually periodically or after a lapse of time, particularly in medical or natural contexts.
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repetition |
Repetition refers to the act of doing or saying something again, often used in both neutral and negative contexts. It can refer to habits, practices, or communication.
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reiteration |
Reiteration is used when referring to the action of repeating something for emphasis or clarity, often in speech or writing.
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redundancy |
Redundancy often has a negative connotation and is used to describe something that is unnecessarily repeated, adding no new value or information, particularly in communication or organizational contexts.
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iteration |
Iteration is commonly used in technical or mathematical contexts when referring to repeating processes or cycles, especially in programming or design.
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Examples of usage
- The poet used recurrence for emphasis in the stanza.
- Recurrence of certain sounds can create a poetic effect.
- The linguistic recurrence added rhythm to the speech.
- The recurrence of 'echo' in the poem created a sense of reflection.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'recurrere', which means 'to run back' or 'to return'.
- In English, it started being used in the late 14th century, mostly in medical contexts to describe diseases that come back.
- It has a strong connection with the idea of frequency, particularly in mathematics and statistics.
Science
- In mathematics, recurrence relations describe sequences where each term is defined as a function of preceding terms.
- In psychology, the recurrence of certain thoughts or behaviors can be linked to habits and conditioning.
- Recurrence in ecology refers to the return of species or events in predictable cycles, like migratory patterns.
Pop Culture
- TV shows often use recurrence in storytelling, with characters or events returning to create tension or resolution.
- The concept of 'recurring themes' is popular in literature and film, where certain ideas are revisited throughout a series.
- In video games, bosses may have recurrence where players face the same challenging enemy multiple times across levels.
Mathematics
- In calculus, the phenomenon of recurrence can be seen in series, where terms are repeatedly generated from others.
- Fractals exhibit recurrence as they create patterns that repeat at different scales, showing similarity across sizes.
- Statistical methods often analyze data for recurrence patterns to forecast future events based on past occurrences.
Health
- In medicine, recurrence describes the return of a disease after a period of improvement, a critical aspect in treatment plans.
- Chronic illnesses often involve monitoring for recurrence to manage conditions effectively, emphasizing proactive health care.
- Mental health disorders can also have recurrence, indicating the need for ongoing support and management strategies.
Translations
🇵🇹 recorrência
🇮🇳 पुनरावृत्ति
🇩🇪 Wiederholung
🇮🇩 kekambuhan
🇺🇦 рецидив
🇵🇱 nawrót
🇯🇵 再発
🇫🇷 réapparition
🇪🇸 recurrencia
🇹🇷 nüks
🇰🇷 재발
🇸🇦 تكرار
🇨🇿 recidiva
🇸🇰 recidíva
🇨🇳 复发
🇸🇮 ponovitev
🇮🇸 endurvakning
🇰🇿 қайталану
🇬🇪 გადაბრუნება
🇦🇿 təkrarlanma
🇲🇽 recurrencia
Word Frequency Rank
Position #8,281 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.
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- 8278 clue
- 8279 miniature
- 8280 generosity
- 8281 recurrence
- 8282 infusion
- 8283 boil
- 8284 deliveries
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