Reoccurring Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reoccurring

[riหษ™หˆkษœหrษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

repeated events

Reoccurring refers to an event or phenomenon that happens repeatedly but not necessarily at regular intervals. It can imply a return to a previous state or occurrence again. The term can apply to situations, behaviors, or changes that seem to emerge or come back multiple times. It's important to differentiate reoccurring from 'recurring,' which implies a repeated pattern at fixed intervals. In various contexts, reoccurring can highlight the nature of events that seem to happen sporadically over time.

Synonyms

cyclical, recurring, repeating, repetitive.

Examples of usage

  • The reoccurring issues in the project caused delays.
  • She has a reoccurring dream about flying.
  • The reoccurring themes in his novels reflect his beliefs.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • The concept of reoccurring experiences can be linked to memory, where the brain tends to reinforce certain memories over others, causing them to resurface frequently.
  • In therapy settings, individuals might discuss reoccurring thoughts or dreams, which can reveal underlying emotional issues or fears.

Literature

  • In storytelling, reoccurring themes or motifs can create a sense of unity and depth, allowing readers to draw connections between different parts of a narrative.
  • Some authors use reoccurring characters or symbols to highlight important messages or moral lessons throughout their works.

Pop Culture

  • Reoccuring symbols or catchphrases in TV shows, like 'I'll be back' in the 'Terminator' series, create iconic moments that audiences remember vividly.
  • Many musical artists create reoccurring themes in their albums, conveying specific emotions or messages that resonate with fans.

Science

  • In environmental science, reoccurring patterns such as seasonal changes are crucial for understanding ecosystems and predicting natural events like migrations.
  • Mathematically, reoccurring sequences can often be observed in phenomena such as population dynamics or in the study of fractals.

Origin of 'reoccurring'

Main points about word origin

  • The word derives from the Latin 're-' meaning 'again' and 'currere' meaning 'to run', giving the sense of something that runs back again.
  • Reoccurring is often confused with 'recurring,' though the latter refers to events that happen at regular intervals, while the former can indicate something that happens repeatedly without a fixed pattern.

The word reoccurring is composed of the prefix 're-', which derives from Latin, meaning 'again' or 'back,' and the present participle 'occurring,' which comes from the Latin 'occurrere,' meaning 'to run to meet' or 'to happen.' The combination suggests something that happens again after it has already occurred. 'Reoccurring' has been in use since the early 20th century and has evolved to convey a specific type of repetition that is somewhat less predictable than 'recurring.' In many disciplines such as psychology and literature, understanding the nature of reoccurring events can be crucial when analyzing patterns of behavior or themes. Throughout its usage, the term has been employed to describe everything from health issues that crop up at intervals to narrative elements in storytelling.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,045, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.