recursive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "recursive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word when you are referring to something that is done repeatedly in the same way, or when you are referring to something that involves repetition of a process. For example, “The recursive nature of the algorithm was both its strength and its weakness.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Indeed, many of the technologies described in this report, from business analytics to recursive machine-learning to visualisation software, exist to make data more digestible for humans.Some applications have already become so widespread that they are taken for granted.

The Economist

It is interesting to note that the two ways correspond to by-now standard tools, the so-called first fixed point theorem and second fixed point theorem of combinatory logic and lambda calculus (Barendregt 1984, p. 131 and p. 143; see also the distinction between the first recursion theorem and the second recursion theorem of classical recursion theory, in this SEP, entry recursive functions).

SEP

In this entry, we provide an account of the class of recursive functions, with particular emphasis on six basic kinds of recursion: iteration, primitive recursion, primitive recursion with parameters, course-of-value recursion, and double recursion.

SEP

All of these methods can be formalized in a system known as primitive recursive arithmetic (PRA), which allows definitions of functions by primitive recursion and induction on quantifier-free formulas (ibid).

SEP

A set is recursively enumerable iff it is the range of a (total or partial) recursive function on the natural numbers (Boolos et al. 2003: §8.3).

SEP

Of course, you could just make your own recursive descent parser with parser combinators and use that to parse the JSON yourself.

The Guardian

The government then threw everything including the kitchen sink at the economy, eventually putting a floor under the collapse.In hindsight, the nasty recursive loop toward acute financial crisis was clearly operating by the second half of 2006.

The Economist

But although it learns from a big body of data, it lacks the recursive qualities of spell-check and search.The design of the feedback loop is critical.

The Economist

Restrained and incisive, his book is respectful without succumbing to hagiography.An awkward youth, skinny and pimply, Wallace earned a reputation at university for being a stellar student with a unique mind racing, recursive, "beset by anxiety and whipped by consciousness".

The Economist

And the recursive nature of this process means that multiple equilibria are possible.

The Economist

Something as basic as better rail connections would help.Darktrace's speciality is the use of a branch of mathematics called "recursive Bayesian estimation".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing algorithms or processes, ensure that the termination condition for the "recursive" process is clearly defined to avoid infinite loops.

Common error

Avoid using "recursive" when you actually mean iterative. Iteration uses loops, while recursion uses function calls. Understand the distinction to use the correct term.

Linguistic Context

The word "recursive" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a process or structure that repeats or refers back to itself. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage aligns with standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "recursive" is an adjective used to describe processes or definitions that refer back to themselves. As Ludwig AI confirms, it adheres to standard grammar and is commonly found in formal, scientific, and technical contexts. This word is particularly prevalent in fields like computer science and mathematics, where self-referential processes are frequently employed. Although "recursive" is generally appropriate across a range of subjects, remembering to distinguish it from terms like iterative is crucial for maintaining clarity and avoiding confusion. Related concepts include "iterative process", "self-referential", and "looping algorithm".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

auto-calling routine

Specifically refers to a routine or function that calls itself.

self-invoking

Similar to self-referential, but implies an active process of calling oneself.

self-referential

Indicates that something refers back to itself or its own definition.

iterative process

Emphasizes the repetitive execution of a set of instructions in a loop.

looping algorithm

Focuses on the algorithmic aspect of repeated execution.

repetitive method

Highlights the repeated application of a particular method or technique.

feedback loop

Highlights the process where the output is used as input for further operations.

cyclic function

Describes a function that returns to its starting state after a series of operations.

repeated application

Stresses the act of applying something multiple times.

nested structure

Suggests a hierarchy where elements are contained within each other, often implying repetition.

FAQs

How is "recursive" used in programming?

In programming, "recursive" describes a function that calls itself directly or indirectly. This technique is used to solve problems that can be broken down into smaller, self-similar subproblems, such as traversing tree structures or calculating factorials.

What's the difference between an iterative and a "recursive" function?

An iterative function uses loops (like for or while) to repeat a process, while a "recursive" function calls itself. Recursion involves a base case to stop the function from infinitely calling itself, whereas iteration continues until a condition is met.

When should I use recursion over iteration?

Recursion is suitable for problems that can be naturally divided into smaller, self-similar instances, like tree traversals or certain mathematical definitions. However, it can be less efficient due to function call overhead and potential stack overflow issues. Iteration is generally more efficient for simple, repetitive tasks.

What are some alternatives to the word "recursive"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "iterative process", "self-referential", or "looping algorithm". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.