Word
recurrent
Phoneticsre·cur·rent, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹiˈkɝənt/
UK/ɹɪkˈʌɹənt/
Definitions
01happening repeatedly
C1 · Advanced Academic
adj. happening many times or happening again and again.
adj. occurring repeatedly or periodically; frequently used to describe problems, themes, or symptoms.
“The company has struggled with recurrent technical problems all year.”
“The novelist explores the recurrent theme of exile throughout her work, suggesting that displacement is a fundamental part of the modern experience.”
Usage
Often used to describe negative situations like illnesses, debts, or errors.
02turning back
C2 · Proficiency Medicine Technical
adj. describes a nerve or blood vessel that turns back and runs in the opposite direction.
adj. describing a nerve, artery, or vein that curves back toward its origin.
“The doctor explained that the recurrent nerve controls the voice box.”
“During the procedure, the surgeon must be careful to identify the recurrent laryngeal nerve to avoid permanent damage to the patient's vocal cords.”
Usage
Almost exclusively used in anatomical or botanical contexts.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Taken together, the fossils, tooth marks and digested bone show that devils were a recurrent part of the Juukan scavenger community over tens of thousands of years.” “The transboundary environmental problem has become a recurrent phenomenon in the region.” Etymology
From Latin recurrens, present participle of recurrere. Morphologically recur + -ent.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/recurrent