Recursive: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
recursive
[ rษชหkษหrsษชv ]
mathematics
Relating to or involving the repeated application of a rule, definition, or procedure to successive results.
Synonyms
cyclical, iterative, repetitive.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| recursive |
In computer science and mathematics, when a function or a process calls itself.
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| repetitive |
When something happens repeatedly, often in a way that lacks variety and can become boring or monotonous, sometimes with negative connotations.
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| iterative |
When a process or activity is repeated, often to refine and improve, common in engineering, development, or problem-solving.
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| cyclical |
For processes or events that repeat in a cycle, often used in economics or nature.
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Examples of usage
- The formula is recursive, meaning that each step builds upon the previous one.
- The recursive sequence can be represented by a simple equation.
- In computer science, recursive functions are commonly used to solve complex problems.
computing
Characterized by or relating to the process of calling a function within itself.
Synonyms
self-referential.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| recursive |
Appropriate in a technical or mathematical context, especially in computer science and mathematics, when referring to functions or processes that call themselves as part of their execution. It can also denote a process that repeats itself in a self-similar way.
|
| self-referential |
Used in a broader, often philosophical, context to describe something that refers to itself, either explicitly or implicitly. This term is popular in literature, art, and philosophy to describe works or concepts that contain elements of self-reference.
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Examples of usage
- The recursive function calls itself to break down a problem into smaller subproblems.
- The recursive algorithm efficiently solves the task by dividing it into simpler parts.
linguistics
A word or phrase that refers back to a previously used word or phrase, especially within the same sentence.
Synonyms
back-referencing, reflexive.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| recursive |
Use in mathematics, computer science, and linguistics to describe a procedure or formula that references itself.
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| reflexive |
Generally used in grammar and logic to describe a relationship in which something refers back to itself. It can be more abstract or theoretical.
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| back-referencing |
Commonly used in the context of regular expressions in programming to refer to the technique of referring to previously matched groups.
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Examples of usage
- In the sentence 'She opened the door and entered,' the word 'she' is a recursive pronoun referring back to the subject.
- Recursive pronouns help maintain coherence and clarity in writing.
Translations
Translations of the word "recursive" in other languages:
๐ต๐น recursivo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคชเฅเคจเคฐเคพเคตเคฐเฅเคคเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช rekursiv
๐ฎ๐ฉ rekursif
๐บ๐ฆ ัะตะบัััะธะฒะฝะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ rekurencyjny
๐ฏ๐ต ๅๅธฐ็ (ใใใใฆใ)
๐ซ๐ท rรฉcursif
๐ช๐ธ recursivo
๐น๐ท รถz yinelemeli
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฌ๊ท์ ์ธ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุชูุฑุงุฑู
๐จ๐ฟ rekurzivnรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ rekurzรญvny
๐จ๐ณ ้ๅฝ็
๐ธ๐ฎ rekurziven
๐ฎ๐ธ endurkvรฆmt
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะตะบัััะธะฒัั
๐ฌ๐ช แ แแแฃแ แกแแฃแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ rekursiv
๐ฒ๐ฝ recursivo
Etymology
The term 'recursive' originated from the Latin word 'recurrere', which means 'to run back'. It was first used in mathematics to describe functions that refer back to themselves. Over time, the concept of recursion expanded to various fields like computer science, linguistics, and more. The idea of self-reference and repetition is fundamental to the concept of recursion.