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Recursively: meaning, definitions and examples

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recursively

 

[rɪˈkərsɪvli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

mathematics

In a way that involves a procedure that can be repeated multiple times, each time using the result of the previous iteration as the starting point.

Synonyms

iteratively, repeatedly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
recursively

Use this word when describing a process in programming or mathematics where a function calls itself as part of its execution.

  • The factorial function can be defined recursively.
  • The algorithm generates the Fibonacci sequence recursively.
repeatedly

This word is used in general contexts to describe an action that is done again and again.

  • She called his name repeatedly, but there was no answer.
  • The teacher had to explain the concept repeatedly because the students were having trouble understanding.
iteratively

This word is suitable for describing a process that repetitively applies steps to reach a desired outcome, often used in the context of programming, mathematics, and project management.

  • We solved the problem iteratively through repeated approximations.
  • The software development was completed iteratively, with each cycle improving the previous version.

Examples of usage

  • The function is defined recursively, with each step depending on the previous one.
  • To solve the problem, you need to think recursively and break it down into smaller subproblems.
Context #2 | Adverb

computing

Referring to a programming technique in which a function calls itself in order to solve a problem.

Synonyms

self-referential.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
recursively

Used in contexts like mathematics, computer science, or logic to describe a process where a function calls itself. It often implies a task that is repetitive or nested.

  • The factorial of a number can be calculated recursively.
  • The algorithm is defined recursively.
self-referential

Applies to objects, expressions, or descriptions that refer to themselves. Often used in literature, philosophy, or art to describe something that makes reference to its own structure or nature.

  • The painting is self-referential as it depicts the artist painting the same scene.
  • His novel contains a self-referential narrative, commenting on the act of storytelling itself.

Examples of usage

  • The recursive algorithm is more elegant but may require more memory.
  • The function calls itself recursively until a base case is reached.
Context #3 | Adjective

linguistics

Relating to or involving a construction in which a word or phrase refers back to itself.

Synonyms

self-referential.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
recursively

Used in technical and mathematical contexts to describe a process that calls itself as part of its definition or execution. Often used in programming to describe functions or algorithms.

  • The factorial function can be defined recursively.
  • The algorithm sorts the list recursively, by dividing it into smaller lists.
self-referential

Typically used to describe something that refers to itself, often in literature, art, or discussions. It can also be used in a general context to describe statements, objects, or concepts that include a reference to themselves.

  • The novel is self-referential, constantly talking about its own narrative technique.
  • This statement is self-referential: ‘This sentence is false.’

Examples of usage

  • The sentence 'This sentence is false' is an example of a recursively self-referential statement.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'recursio', meaning 'to run back', which tells us about the idea of going back or returning.
  • The prefix 're-' suggests repetition, as in words like 'repeat' or 'revisit'.
  • The suffix '-ively' shows that the word describes a way of doing something, which is common in English for forming adverbs.

Computer Science

  • In programming, recursion is a common technique where a function calls itself to solve problems in a simpler way.
  • Recursive algorithms can be more elegant and easier to understand, but they can also use more memory than their iterative counterparts.
  • A classic example of recursion is calculating factorials, where the function defines itself using previous calculations.

Mathematics

  • Recursively defined sequences, like the Fibonacci sequence, rely on previous terms for their current value.
  • Many mathematical structures, such as sets or trees, use recursion for their definitions, creating simple rules to form complex systems.
  • In calculus, recursive definitions can help in understanding limits and functions, showing connections between different values.

Literature

  • Some narratives employ recursive storytelling, where a story reflects on itself or is told within a story, like layers in a novel.
  • In poetry, recursive structures can create rhythm and emphasize themes by repeating certain lines or ideas.
  • Writers often use recursion symbolically to explore concepts like memory or consciousness.

Psychology

  • The concept of recursion helps to explain complex cognitive processes, such as how we remember patterns by relating them to previous experiences.
  • In therapy, recalling earlier memories can sometimes lead to insights about current behaviors, showing a recursive relationship between past and present.
  • Cognitive development theories also suggest that learning often involves revisiting and building on previously mastered concepts.

Translations

Translations of the word "recursively" in other languages:

🇵🇹 recursivamente

🇮🇳 पुनरावर्ती रूप से

🇩🇪 rekursiv

🇮🇩 secara rekursif

🇺🇦 рекурсивно

🇵🇱 rekursywnie

🇯🇵 再帰的に

🇫🇷 récursivement

🇪🇸 recursivamente

🇹🇷 özyinelemeli olarak

🇰🇷 재귀적으로

🇸🇦 بشكل تكراري

🇨🇿 rekurzivně

🇸🇰 rekurzívne

🇨🇳 递归地

🇸🇮 rekurzivno

🇮🇸 endurkvæmt

🇰🇿 рекурсивті

🇬🇪 რეკურსიულად

🇦🇿 rekursiv olaraq

🇲🇽 recursivamente

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,948, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.