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Recurring Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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recurring

re-cur-ring

🇺🇸 /ɹiˈkɝɪŋ/ · 🇬🇧 /ɹɪkˈɜːɹɪŋ/

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a cycle

Occurring or appearing again, especially at regular intervals.

Synonyms

cyclical, periodic, repeated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
recurring

This word is suitable when something happens repeatedly at irregular or predictable intervals over time.

  • She had recurring dreams about flying
  • The company faced a recurring issue with their software updates
repeated

Repeated is often used when referring to something that happens multiple times, particularly when stressing frequency and consistency without specific intervals. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation.

  • She was frustrated by repeated interruptions during the meeting
  • The teacher noticed repeated mistakes in the students' exams
periodic

Periodic should be used when something occurs at regular, fixed intervals, such as in science or time management contexts.

  • The team conducts periodic reviews of performance every quarter
  • The planet's orbits are periodic, occurring at regular intervals
cyclical

Cyclical is best used when referring to events or processes that follow a specific, predictable cycle or pattern. It's often used in economic or natural contexts.

  • The business cycle is cyclical, with periods of growth followed by recessions
  • The weather patterns in the region are cyclical, showing regular changes through the seasons

Examples of usage

  • The recurring theme of the novel is love and loss.
  • She has a recurring dream about flying.
Context #2 | Noun

finance

A revenue item that is expected to continue indefinitely.

Synonyms

continuous, ongoing, regular.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
recurring

Use for something that happens repeatedly at intervals, often with the implication of predictability.

  • She has a recurring doctor’s appointment every month.
  • The problem is recurring despite efforts to fix it.
ongoing

Suitable for situations where something is currently happening or still in progress.

  • The ongoing negotiations are expected to conclude soon.
  • They have an ongoing project that needs more funding.
continuous

Best used when describing something that happens without interruption or pause.

  • The continuous noise from the construction site was very annoying.
  • They faced continuous challenges during their expedition.
regular

Appropriate for describing something that happens at consistent intervals or is normal, expected, and scheduled.

  • She goes for a regular walk in the park every morning.
  • He has regular meetings with his team every Monday.

Examples of usage

  • The company's main source of income is from recurring revenues.
  • He explained the importance of building a business with recurring revenue streams.

Translations

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

Quick facts about “recurring”

Recurring is a 3-syllable adjective and noun (re-cur-ring). It is pronounced /ɹiˈkɝɪŋ/ in American English and /ɹɪkˈɜːɹɪŋ/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 6 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #8,920 among the most common English words.

Did you know?

“recurring” in psychology

  • Psychologists study recurring thoughts and behaviors to understand patterns related to mental health.
  • Recurring dreams can indicate unresolved issues in a person's life, often reflecting fears or desires.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy often addresses recurring negative thoughts to improve mental well-being.

“recurring” in literature

  • Recurring themes in literature, such as love or betrayal, help shape the story and give depth to the characters.
  • Writers often use recurring symbols, like a rising sun, to represent hope and new beginnings.
  • Serialized novels or books encourage recurring storylines through continuing characters or plot twists.

“recurring” in science

  • In biology, recurring cycles like seasons impact animal behaviors, migration patterns, and plant growth.
  • In computer science, recurring functions, like loops, allow for repetition in programming tasks.
  • Astronomers study recurring events, such as eclipses and meteor showers, to predict future occurrences.

“recurring” in pop culture

  • Many television series have recurring characters that viewers love, creating a sense of familiarity and connection.
  • Recurring jokes in comedy shows become catchphrases that fans quote and enjoy, enhancing the humor.
  • Musical themes in films often recur, creating memorable moments that evoke emotions in the audience.

Origin of 'recurring'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'recurrere', meaning 'to run back' or 'to return'.
  • It has been used in English since the late 15th century to describe events that repeatedly happen.
  • In some contexts, it can imply a cycle, suggesting a predictable pattern in events.

The word 'recurring' originates from the verb 'recur', which comes from the Latin word 'recurrere', meaning 'to run back'. The concept of something happening again in a cycle or at regular intervals has been a part of human understanding for centuries, with various civilizations observing recurring patterns in nature and society.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,920 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.