iterate
IT-uh-reyt
/ˈɪtəˌreɪt/
To perform or utter repeatedly; in design, to rapidly develop, test, and refine a product through successive cycles.
Unlike 'repeat,' which simply means doing the exact same thing again, 'iterate' implies that each cycle is an improvement based on feedback.
The story behind the word. The word comes from the Latin verb 'iterare', which means 'to do a second time' or 'repeat,' derived from 'iterum' ('again'). In modern design and software engineering, it has evolved to describe the cyclical process of prototyping and testing.
Word relationships
- reiterate: Reiterate means to say or state something again for emphasis, while iterate means to perform a cycle of development to improve a physical or digital product.
- refine: Refine means to make small improvements to a design, whereas iterate implies a structured, cyclical process of testing and rebuilding.
- stagnate: To remain completely unchanged without any development or progress.
Commonly confused with
- reiterate: Reiterate is verbal (repeating a statement), while iterate is procedural (repeating a cycle of design/testing).
Word family
- iteration (noun): A single cycle of a repetitive process or a specific version of a design.
- iterative (adjective): Involving repetition, especially with the aim of approaching a desired goal.
Collocations
- iterate on a design
- rapidly iterate
- iterate through options
- design and iterate
Example sentences
- "We need to iterate on this interface design because users are still struggling to find the checkout button." Design sprint
- "The team will iterate the hardware design until the weight falls below two pounds." Engineering meeting
Memory hook
Think of 'it-er-ate' as 'it' (the design) + 'er' (error) + 'ate' (eaten up). You fix the errors over and over until they are gone. Iterate means to recreate and update.
When not to use
Do not use when you are repeating a task mindlessly without making modifications or seeking improvement.
Fun facts
- The concept of iterative design is closely tied to the 'PDCA' (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle popularized by quality control pioneer W. Edwards Deming.
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