Recur

To recur means to happen or appear again; to come back to one's mind. It suggests a repetition, a return of something, whether an event, thought, or pattern. This repetition can be cyclical, periodic, or simply a reappearance after a lapse of time. The word often carries a nuance of something familiar or expected, even if unwanted or undesirable, highlighting its repeated nature. It can apply to natural phenomena, abstract ideas, or concrete events and is useful in describing anything that repeats itself over time. The frequency can vary significantly, from near-constant to only once a year.

Recur meaning with examples

• The doctor explained that the illness might recur, meaning the symptoms could return even after the initial treatment. He stressed the importance of regular check-ups. After a brief remission, the patient became anxious about the possibility of relapse, which weighed heavily on his mind. His lifestyle and stress level were crucial factors to prevent a repeat of the infection, hopefully permanently.
• Every year, the same migratory birds recur to the same nesting site. The predictable pattern, a recurring feature of nature, was a source of comfort to the local community. This familiar sight, a reassuring cycle, was eagerly awaited by the locals, marking the changing seasons. The regularity of these visits was a testament to the birds' navigational skills and adherence to biological rhythms.
• The unsettling dream continued to recur, frightening me each time. The images were vivid, the sensations powerful. I began to fear going to sleep. My therapist suggested techniques to confront and resolve these recurring anxieties, providing strategies for managing and understanding the troubling experiences in hopes of diminishing its reappearance. The cyclical nature of the nightmares was impacting my daily life.
• The company's financial woes began to recur, despite the implemented restructuring plan. Repeated crises, echoing prior difficulties, continued to plague them. The management's strategies appeared ineffective as the economic problems kept returning. Investors lost faith, recognizing a pattern of financial struggles which lead to a loss of public faith. The business's problems had been happening again and again.