Chronological: meaning, definitions and examples

To describe events in the order they happened, from earliest to latest, often used in academic or formal writing.

• The events in the novel are presented in chronological order
• She listed her job experiences in chronological order on her resume

To describe something arranged in a specific order or sequence, especially when the order is important for understanding or following a process.

• Follow the sequential steps in the instruction manual for assembly
• The story is told in a sequential manner, with each chapter following the next logically

To describe something related to time or limited by time, often used in scientific, philosophical, or technical contexts.

• The research focused on the temporal patterns of bird migration
• Temporal changes in the climate have significant effects on ecosystems

To describe something related to history or events from the past, often used in discussions about significant periods, characters, or contexts.

• The museum exhibited many historical artifacts
• This book provides a detailed historical account of World War II

Used when referring to the arrangement of events or dates in the order of their occurrence.

• The events are listed in chronological order.
• A chronological timeline can help understand the sequence of historical events.

Used when something follows a recognised order, often necessary for understanding or functionality, like instructions, processes, or events.

• The instructions need to be followed in sequence to complete the task successfully.
• He recited the numbers in sequence.

Commonly used in everyday language to indicate that items or events are arranged in a particular sequence, not necessarily time-related.

• Please arrange the papers in order by their titles.
• The books on the shelf need to be in order.