What does recursively mean?
Recursively means in a way that repeats a process by referring back to the same rule or to an earlier stage of that process. The term is especially common in computing and mathematics: a recursive procedure calls itself with progressively changed inputs until a stopping condition is reached. It also has a broader meaning of repeatedly or at successive levels. For example, a computer may recursively search a directory by examining each folder, opening it, and applying the same search rule within its contents. The word can describe self-reference more generally, as in a recursive argument or a story that repeatedly turns back upon itself. Its appeal lies in expressing a compact pattern: one instruction can govern an unlimited sequence of actions. Although “recursively” can simply mean repeatedly, it usually carries the additional implication that the repetition is organized through self-reference or nested application.
adverbIn a way that involves repeating a process or applying a rule to its own result. It can also mean repeatedly or from one level to the next within a self-referential structure.
- In a self-referential way, with each stage involving or repeating an earlier stage.
- Repeatedly, or at successive levels through a process.
"The program recursively processes each folder and then examines the files it contains."
"The function recursively calls itself until it reaches the end of the list."
"She found herself recursively checking the same page whenever she felt uncertain."
A recursive idea is like a sentence that contains the rule for rewriting itself: it points inward while continuing outward.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does recursively come from?
The word comes from Latin recurrere, formed from re- (“back, again”) and currere (“to run”), meaning “to run back” or “to return.” The English adjective recursive was derived from this root, and the adverb recursively was formed from that adjective. Related English forms include recur, recurrence, recursion, cursor, and cursive, all ultimately associated with the idea of running or turning back.
How recursively is actually used
The word is most common in computing, mathematics, and descriptions of self-referential systems. In general writing, it can mean repeatedly, but its distinctive sense is that the repetition is self-referential or involves successive applications of the same process.
Easily confused with recursively
Recursively describes a process that refers back to itself or repeatedly invokes the same rule, whereas recurrently means occurring repeatedly.