adjective
iterative
IT-er-uh-tiv
Iterative (adjective) means describing a process that repeats steps to reach the desired result. Example: “The team used an iterative approach to design the app.”
adjective
1
Describing a process that repeats steps to reach the desired result.
"The team used an iterative approach to design the app."
"Each iterative cycle fixed a few more bugs."
"Writing a good draft is often an iterative process."
2
grammar In grammar, expressing an action that is repeated frequently.
"Some linguists call this verb form iterative."
"The iterative aspect shows that an action happens again and again."
"Her grammar book has a short section on iterative verbs."
How to use iterative
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDone by repeating steps until you get it right.
When to use it
It is a standard word, common in technical, business and academic writing.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
iterative process
iterative approach
iterative design
iterative method
iterative development
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The team used an _____ approach to design the app.
Etymology
English borrowed the word from French itératif.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for iterative
See all rhymes for iterative →Frequently asked questions
What does iterative mean?
Iterative describes a process that repeats steps to reach the desired result. In computing, it often involves a loop.
What is an iterative process?
It is a process in which steps are repeated, with each round building toward the final outcome.
What is the difference between iterative and frequentative?
In grammar, some writers use iterative for a single session of repetition and frequentative for repetition across multiple occasions.
What is the meaning of iterative?
"iterative" (adjective) means describing a process that repeats steps to reach the desired result.
