What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
periodic
Example
The company conducts periodic performance reviews every six months. [periodic: adjective]
Example
She experiences periodic migraines that can last for days. [periodic: adjective]
recurrent
Example
He has recurrent nightmares about his traumatic experience. [recurrent: adjective]
Example
The patient's recurrent coughing is a symptom of their respiratory condition. [recurrent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recurrent is less common than periodic in everyday language. Periodic is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while recurrent is more specific and often used in medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between periodic and recurrent?
Both periodic and recurrent are formal words that are commonly used in technical or scientific writing, but periodic is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
