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Recursive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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recursive

[rɪˈkɜːrsɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

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?

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Word Description / Examples
recursive

In computer science and mathematics, when a function or a process calls itself.

  • The recursive function calculates the factorial of the number.
  • He solved the problem using a recursive algorithm.
repetitive

When something happens repeatedly, often in a way that lacks variety and can become boring or monotonous, sometimes with negative connotations.

  • The job involved repetitive tasks that quickly became tedious.
  • Listening to the same song on repeat can be quite repetitive.
iterative

When a process or activity is repeated, often to refine and improve, common in engineering, development, or problem-solving.

  • Software development often involves iterative testing and debugging.
  • She followed an iterative approach to improve the design.
cyclical

For processes or events that repeat in a cycle, often used in economics or nature.

  • The business cycle is a cyclical pattern of economic growth and contraction.
  • The seasons follow a cyclical pattern.

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.
Context #2 | Adjective

computing

Characterized by or relating to the process of calling a function within itself.

Synonyms

self-referential.

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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.

  • The binary search algorithm is a classic example of a recursive algorithm.
  • Recursive functions can be tricky to debug.
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.

  • The novel's self-referential nature adds a unique layer of depth to the narrative.
  • His humor is often self-referential, poking fun at his own experiences.

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.
Context #3 | Noun

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?

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Word Description / Examples
recursive

Use in mathematics, computer science, and linguistics to describe a procedure or formula that references itself.

  • The function is recursive because it calls itself repeatedly
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.

  • In the sentence 'She herself made the cake,' 'herself' is a reflexive pronoun
back-referencing

Commonly used in the context of regular expressions in programming to refer to the technique of referring to previously matched groups.

  • In the pattern '(\d)\1', the back-referencing allows us to match a pair of identical digits

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

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

Interesting Facts

Computing

  • In programming, a recursive function is one that calls itself to solve smaller parts of a problem.
  • Common examples include calculating factorials or navigating tree data structures.

Mathematics

  • Recursive sequences are well-known in mathematics, like the Fibonacci sequence, where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones.
  • These sequences help in proofs and algorithmic thinking.

Psychology

  • Some cognitive therapy techniques use recursive patterns to help individuals understand and reframe their thoughts.
  • This method encourages reflecting on previous thoughts to foster improvement and change.

Literature

  • Recursive structures in storytelling involve narratives that loop back on themselves, enriching the story's depth.
  • Notable works, such as 'House of Leaves' by Mark Z. Danielewski, use recursive elements to create complex layers of meaning.

Origin of 'recursive'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'recursio', meaning 'a running back' or 'returning'.
  • It was first used in English in the mid-20th century, primarily in mathematical and computational contexts.

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.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,131, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.