iteration
C1Formal, Technical
Definition
Meaning
The act of repeating a process or set of instructions, typically with the aim of approaching a desired goal or result.
A single repetition of such a process; a version or instance produced during a cycle of development or refinement.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In computing and mathematics, it implies a systematic, often algorithmic, repetition. In general use, it can refer to any repeated process, especially one of refinement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Slightly more common in technical contexts in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects, with a strong association with software development, engineering, and design thinking.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[noun] of iteration[adjective] iterationiteration [preposition] [noun]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to successive versions of a product, strategy, or business model during development. 'We are launching the third iteration of our marketing campaign.'
Academic
Used in mathematics, computer science, and engineering to describe repetitive computational processes. 'The algorithm converges after several iterations.'
Everyday
Can describe repeated attempts to improve something. 'Each iteration of her recipe tasted better than the last.'
Technical
A fundamental concept in agile software development, referring to a fixed time period for developing a set of features. 'The bug was fixed in the latest sprint iteration.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The team will iterate on the prototype based on user feedback.
- We need to iterate the design to meet the new regulations.
American English
- The developers iterated on the feature for two sprints.
- Let's iterate the model with the updated data set.
adverb
British English
- The software was developed iteratively, with weekly releases.
- They worked iteratively to refine the concept.
American English
- The plan was executed iteratively, allowing for adjustments.
- We improved the process iteratively over several months.
adjective
British English
- The iterative process allowed for continuous improvement.
- They adopted an iterative development methodology.
American English
- Her iterative approach to writing involved many drafts.
- The project followed an iterative design cycle.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher asked for another iteration of the exercise.
- This is the latest iteration of a popular phone.
- Each iteration of the software includes valuable user feedback.
- The design team presented the third iteration of the logo to the client.
- The mathematical model requires hundreds of iterations to achieve an accurate solution.
- Agile methodology is built on the principle of short, productive iterations.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of ITERATION as 'IT ERA's ACTION' – the action taken in the era of information technology is often one of repeated, improved versions.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEVELOPMENT IS A SPIRAL (repeating cycles that move forward).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'итерация' in non-technical contexts where 'повторение', 'версия', or 'цикл' might be more natural.
- Do not confuse with 'интеракция' (interaction).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'iteration' to mean a simple, mindless repetition without a sense of progression or refinement.
- Misspelling as 'interation' or 'itiration'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'iteration' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While both involve repeating, 'iteration' strongly implies that each repetition is a new version or cycle that builds on the previous one, often with the goal of improvement. A simple 'repetition' may be identical.
Yes, the verb form is 'to iterate'. It is common in technical and business contexts (e.g., 'We need to iterate on this design').
They are often synonymous. However, 'iteration' emphasizes the *process* of cyclical development, while 'version' is more focused on the *result* or state at a specific point in that process.
Yes. You can have one iteration, two iterations, many iterations. It refers to individual cycles or instances within the repetitive process.
Collections
Part of a collection
Innovation
B2 · 46 words · Language of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.