What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
recursion
Example
The factorial function is an example of recursion. [recursion: noun]
Example
The program uses recursion to solve the maze. [recursion: noun]
repetition
Example
The athlete did ten repetitions of the exercise. [repetitions: noun]
Example
The song has a catchy repetition in the chorus. [repetition: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Repetition is more commonly used than recursion in everyday language. Repetition is versatile and can be employed in various contexts, while recursion is more technical and is mainly used in programming and mathematics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between recursion and repetition?
Recursion is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, while repetition can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
