What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
frequentative
Example
The baby was babbling frequently. [frequentative: adjective]
Example
She kept knocking on the door frequently until someone answered. [frequentative: adverb]
iterative
Example
I told him repeatedly not to touch the stove. [iterative: adverb]
Example
The team went through an iterative process to refine their product design. [iterative: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Iterative is more commonly used in everyday language than frequentative. Iterative can be used in various contexts to indicate the repetition of an action, while frequentative is a more technical term used primarily in linguistics and grammar.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between frequentative and iterative?
Frequentative is a more technical term used primarily in linguistics and grammar, making it more formal than iterative, which is commonly used in everyday language and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
