cyclical
SIK-lih-kul
/ˈsɪklɪkl/
Occurring in cycles; recurring in a repeating sequence over time.
In Eastern thought, time and existence are cyclical (reincarnation, seasons) rather than strictly linear.
The story behind the word. Traced to Greek 'kyklos' (circle, wheel). The same root gave birth to 'bicycle', 'cyclone' (a wheeling storm), and 'encyclopedia' (a circle of learning).
Word relationships
- recurrent: Recurrent means happening repeatedly, but not necessarily in a fixed circle or rhythm.
- periodic: Periodic emphasizes regular time intervals.
- linear: Linear moves strictly forward in a straight line without returning.
- acyclic: Acyclic means non-repeating.
Commonly confused with
- circular: Circular describes physical shape or circular reasoning; cyclical describes repeating temporal or dynamic patterns.
Word family
- cycle (noun): A series of events that repeat regularly
- cyclically (adverb): In a cyclical manner
Collocations
- cyclical nature
- cyclical process
- cyclical pattern
- cyclical rhythm
Idioms & expressions
- what goes around comes around
Example sentences
- "In Taoist philosophy, time is not a straight arrow but a cyclical rhythm of growth and return." Eastern Cosmology
- "The stock market undergoes cyclical fluctuations driven by shifts in consumer confidence." Economics
Memory hook
CYCLICAL spinning like a BICYCLE wheel. Wheels turn and repeat.
When not to use
Do not use for random or chaotic repetition; it requires a structured, returning pattern.
Fun facts
- The Sanskrit concept of 'Samsara' represents the cyclical wheel of birth, death, and rebirth.
Related words
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