iterate

Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/ˈɪtəˌreɪt/

Definitions

• To say or do something again or repeatedly.
• To perform or carry out a process repeatedly, often with the goal of refining or improving something.
• In mathematics or computing, to repeat a process or calculation, often with incremental changes until a desired result is reached.

Usage Examples

• The teacher asked the students to iterate the process until they understood the concept.
• The design team iterated the product model several times before it was finalized.
• The algorithm iterates through each step until the output meets the required criteria.

Etymology

Derived from Latin "iterare," meaning "to repeat," from "iter" meaning "a journey" or "path," combined with the suffix "-ate," which forms verbs meaning to do or make something. The word "iterate" first appeared in English in the early 17th century.

Synonyms

• Repeat
• Reiterate
• Recapitulate
• Redo
• Rehash

Antonyms

• Cease
• Discontinue
• Stop
• Terminate

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, the pronunciation is typically softer, with a more distinct "t" sound.
• In American English, the pronunciation tends to blend the "t" sound with the following syllable, making it sound quicker.

Historical Usage

The verb "iterate" comes from the Latin "iterare," meaning "to repeat." Its earliest known use in English dates back to the 17th century and was initially used in a mathematical or academic context to refer to the repeated application of a principle or calculation. Over time, its use has expanded to other fields, particularly in computing and software development, where iterative processes are essential for refining products or systems.

Cultural Nuances

In modern software development and design, the term "iterate" has gained prominence, particularly in agile methodologies, where iteration is key to incremental progress and feedback loops. The idea of iteration is also deeply embedded in learning and problem-solving cultures, where "iterative" processes are valued for fostering improvement over time.

More Information

Iteration, as a concept, is essential in fields such as software development, design, mathematics, and problem-solving. It emphasizes the importance of repetitive action to refine and improve outcomes, rather than expecting perfection from a single attempt. By iterating, one can progressively enhance results and adapt to new information, making it a fundamental concept in both professional and everyday contexts.