Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /rɪˈkɜːrsɪvnəs/
KK: /rɪˈkɜrsɪvnəs/
Definition
The quality of being able to repeat or refer back to itself in a process or structure.
Example
The recursiveness of the algorithm allows it to solve complex problems efficiently.
Conversation

Have you ever heard of the concept of recursiveness in programming?

Yeah, I think it allows functions to call themselves, right?

Exactly! It’s fascinating how it simplifies complex problems.

For sure, it makes coding much more elegant and efficient.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
iteration
repetition
self-reference
Antonyms
nonrecursion
finality
termination
Root Explanation
Recursiveness → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "currere" (meaning to run). The word describes the quality of running back to a previous state or repeating a process.
Memory Tip
Think of something that happens 'again' ('re-') and 'runs' ('currere') back to a previous point — that's what recursiveness means.
Visually Confused Words
reclusiveness
excursiveness
cursiveness
seclusiveness
repulsiveness
recessiveness
exclusiveness
restiveness