What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cyclic
Example
The stock market experiences cyclic fluctuations throughout the year. [cyclic: adjective]
Example
The water cycle is a natural process that is cyclic in nature. [cyclic: adjective]
recurring
Example
He has a recurring dream about flying. [recurring: adjective]
Example
The company faces recurring problems with their supply chain. [recurring: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recurring is more commonly used than cyclic in everyday language. Recurring is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cyclic is less common and often used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cyclic and recurring?
Cyclic is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its technical usage, while recurring is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
