iterate
C1Formal / Technical
Definition
Meaning
To perform or say something repeatedly, often with minor refinements each time, usually as part of a systematic process.
In computing and mathematics, to repeatedly apply a procedure or formula, each step using the result of the previous one, as in a loop or recursion.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a purposeful, often cyclical, repetition aimed at improvement or achieving a result. Not just random repetition but a structured, procedural recurrence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Pronunciation differs slightly (IPA). The term is equally used in technical contexts in both variants.
Connotations
Primarily associated with technical, scientific, and business process improvement contexts.
Frequency
More frequent in professional, academic, and IT discourse than in everyday conversation in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
iterate over [something]iterate through [a list]iterate on [a design]iterate [a process]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Iterate and improve' (a common tech/business maxim)”
- “'Fail fast, iterate often' (Agile methodology principle)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in Agile project management and product development to describe making successive versions: 'We will iterate on the prototype based on user feedback.'
Academic
Common in mathematics (iterative methods) and computer science (iterating through data structures).
Everyday
Rare in casual talk. Might be used in contexts like cooking or DIY: 'I had to iterate the recipe a few times to get it right.'
Technical
Core term in programming: 'The function will iterate over the array of values.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The team will iterate the software model until it is stable.
- He had to iterate his travel plans several times due to the strikes.
American English
- We need to iterate on the marketing strategy based on this data.
- The algorithm iterates through the list to find the maximum value.
adverb
British English
- The design was improved iteratively over six months.
- She worked iteratively, refining each section.
adjective
British English
- An iterative approach is favoured in this development cycle.
- The learning process is inherently iterative.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Good software is created by teams that test and iterate their designs.
- The coach asked the players to iterate the drill until they got it perfect.
- The development team holds weekly sprints to rapidly iterate on new features.
- We must iterate the financial model with the latest market data.
- The research methodology involved an iterative process of data collection and analysis.
- Democratic systems iterate upon their laws through a continuous process of legislative review and amendment.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an ITERative updATE. You ITER-ATE (do it again) to make it great.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEVELOPMENT IS CYCLICAL MOTION; A PROCESS IS A SPIRAL (revisiting points at a higher level).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not simply 'повторять' (to repeat). It implies a systematic, progressive repetition. Closer to 'итеративно выполнять' or 'циклично совершенствовать'.
- Do not confuse with 'интерпретировать' (to interpret).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'iterate' to mean simply 'mention' or 'state' without the sense of cyclical repetition.
- Confusing 'iterate' (verb) with 'iterator' (noun, computing).
- Using it in overly casual contexts where 'repeat' or 'try again' would suffice.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'iterate' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Iterate' means to repeat a process, often with changes. 'Reiterate' means to say something again, often for emphasis, without necessarily implying change or a cycle.
No. While very common in computing and technical fields, it is correctly used in any context involving a cyclical, improving process (e.g., business, design, research).
Rarely in standard English. The noun is 'iteration'. In casual tech talk, you might hear 'this is the next iterate', but 'iteration' is the correct form.
It is mid-to-high register. It sounds technical or professional. In everyday conversation, 'repeat', 'try again', or 'work on it more' are more natural alternatives.