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Consecutive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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consecutive

[kənˈsɛkjʊtɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

numbers

following continuously; in unbroken or logical sequence.

Synonyms

continuous, sequential, successive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
consecutive

Used to describe things that come one after another without any interruption.

  • She won three consecutive championships
  • The company reported four consecutive years of growth
successive

Better for describing things that follow one another, one after the other, in a series, often implying continuation over time.

  • He served three successive terms as mayor
  • The team has had five successive wins
sequential

Used when things occur in a specific order or sequence, often relating to processes or steps.

  • The tasks need to be completed in a sequential manner
  • The chapters in the book are sequential
continuous

Best suited for describing something that happens without stopping or pausing.

  • The rain was continuous for three days
  • He has continuous improvement in his performance

Examples of usage

  • The team set a new record with five consecutive wins.
  • She answered three consecutive questions correctly in the quiz.
  • The company reported consecutive quarterly losses.
Context #2 | Noun

events

a sequence of consecutive events, numbers, etc.

Synonyms

run, sequence, succession.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
consecutive

Used when describing events or items that follow one after another without any interruption.

  • She won three consecutive championships
  • We had five consecutive days of rain
succession

Describes a series of events or people following one another, often implying a passing of control, authority, or a similar change.

  • A succession of presidents have implemented this policy
  • The succession of leadership was well planned
sequence

Used to describe items or events that follow each other in a particular order, often implying a relationship or pattern.

  • The sequence of numbers is important in solving the puzzle
  • The movie’s opening sequence was dramatic
run

Often used to describe a continuous period or series of similar events, achievements, or states.

  • The team is on a winning run
  • She has had a bad run of luck lately

Examples of usage

  • The player made a series of consecutive shots.
  • She broke the record for consecutive days without sleep.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In math, consecutive numbers are numbers that follow one another, like 1, 2, and 3.
  • Consecutive even numbers are those like 2, 4, 6, or 8, each separated by a difference of 2.
  • Consecutive sequences are often used in problems dealing with patterns and series.

Sports

  • In sports records, 'consecutive wins' refer to a team winning so many games in a row without losing.
  • Consecutive championships showcase a team's sustained excellence over multiple seasons.
  • Athletes often aim for consecutive personal bests, pushing themselves to improve steadily.

Literature

  • Many authors use consecutive chapters to build tension and excitement in their storytelling.
  • Series books often feature consecutive events that depend on the plot of the previous installment.
  • Poetry can also employ consecutive lines to create rhythm and flow in a piece.

Psychology

  • Consecutive tasks in cognitive psychology can affect how we process and remember information.
  • Studies show that consecutive experiences can lead to a stronger recollection of events.
  • The concept of consecutive stressors is explored in understanding how we cope with multiple challenges at once.

Origin of 'consecutive'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'consecutivus', meaning 'following closely together'.
  • 'Consecutivus' is formed from 'con-' (together) and 'sequi' (to follow).
  • It has been used in English since the late 15th century.

The word 'consecutive' originated from the Latin word 'consecutivus', which means following closely. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. The concept of consecutive numbers or events has been a fundamental part of mathematics and logic for centuries, with applications in various fields such as sports, business, and statistics.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,723 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.