recursive definition: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “recursive definition” mean?
A definition that defines a term using the term itself, relying on a base case to prevent infinite regression.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A definition that defines a term using the term itself, relying on a base case to prevent infinite regression.
In logic, mathematics, and computer science, a definition that refers to itself, establishing meaning by building from a foundational case through repeated application of a rule.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; the technical concept is identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations of logical self-reference in academic/technical contexts.
Frequency
Equally common and specialised in both varieties within relevant disciplines.
Grammar
How to Use “recursive definition” in a Sentence
The recursive definition of [term] relies on...A recursive definition consists of a base case and a...To understand [concept], one must examine its recursive definition.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “recursive definition” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- One can recursively define the factorial function.
American English
- The data structure is recursively defined.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except perhaps metaphorically in strategy discussions about self-similar processes.
Academic
Common in discrete mathematics, logic, theoretical computer science, and formal linguistics.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in programming (e.g., defining a recursive function) and formal systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “recursive definition”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “recursive definition”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “recursive definition”
- Creating a recursive definition without a valid, reachable base case (leads to infinite regress).
- Using 'recursive definition' to mean simply a 'repeated' or 'iterative' definition without self-reference.
- Confusing it with 'recursive function' (the latter is a specific application of the former).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A circular definition is a logical fault where a term is defined using itself without progression, while a valid recursive definition includes a base case that stops the recursion.
Primarily in formal disciplines like mathematics (e.g., defining the natural numbers), computer science (defining data structures like linked lists), and formal logic.
It's unusual, but it can be used metaphorically or to describe self-similar structures in nature (e.g., a fractal's pattern).
The base case provides the foundational, non-recursive value that stops the chain of self-reference, preventing an infinite loop and giving the definition meaning.
A definition that defines a term using the term itself, relying on a base case to prevent infinite regression.
Recursive definition is usually formal, technical in register.
Recursive definition: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˌkɜː.sɪv ˌdef.ɪˈnɪʃ.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˌkɝː.sɪv ˌdef.ɪˈnɪʃ.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A RECURSIVE definition is like a set of RUSSIAN nesting dolls: the definition of the big doll contains the definition of a smaller doll inside it, until you reach the smallest, solid one (the base case).
Conceptual Metaphor
DEFINITION IS A LADDER (you start on the bottom rung/base case and use it to climb to any higher rung).
Practice
Quiz
What is the essential component of a valid recursive definition?