Sequels: meaning, definitions and examples

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sequels

[ˈsiː.kwəls ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

movies

A sequel is a literary work, film, or video game that continues the story of or expands upon a previous work. Sequels are often created due to the commercial success of the original work.

Synonyms

continuation, follow-up, next installment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sequels	Entertainment and media, particularly films, books, and video games; refers to subsequent parts of a story that continue from where the previous one left off. The sequels to the original trilogy were even more popular. Fans are eagerly awaiting the sequels to their favorite movie.
follow-up	Business, healthcare, or casual conversation; refers to additional actions or communications that build on previous ones to ensure completeness or further development. The doctor scheduled a follow-up appointment to check on his recovery. I'll send you a follow-up email with more details.
continuation	General use; implies something that carries on from already established events or actions, often found in discussions about projects, events, and narratives. The second season is a direct continuation of the first. The project will see its continuation next month.
next installment	Entertainment, particularly in serialized media like TV shows, book series, and film franchises; specifies the immediate next part in a series. The next installment of the series will be released next year. Readers can't wait for the next installment in the author's saga.

Examples of usage

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is the sequel to Jurassic World.
The Godfather Part II is considered one of the best sequels in film history.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

books

A sequel in literature is a work that continues the story or expands upon a previous book. Sequels in literature are common in series or trilogies.

Synonyms

continuation, follow-up, next volume.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sequels	Used to describe additional parts of a story or film that continue the narrative from the first installment. Often found in the context of movies, books, or video games. The sequels to the original movie were just as popular. Fans are eagerly waiting for the sequels to the best-selling novel.
follow-up	Often used in professional or medical contexts, but can also describe an additional piece of work that builds upon an earlier one. It implies taking actions or ensuring progression based on previous events. The doctor scheduled a follow-up appointment to check on his recovery. Her latest album is a follow-up to her debut record.
continuation	Refers to something that extends the storyline or concept of a previous work. Used in a broader sense beyond just media, including discussions, projects, or any ongoing process. This meeting will be a continuation of our previous discussion. The book serves as a continuation of the author's earlier works.
next volume	Commonly used when talking about series of books, comics, or multi-part written works. It specifically indicates the subsequent installment in a literary series. The next volume in the series will be released next year. Fans are anxiously awaiting the next volume of the comic book.

Examples of usage

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the sequel to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
The Hunger Games trilogy consists of three sequels.

Interesting Facts

Film History

The first feature-length sequel is often considered to be 'The Fall of a Nation' (1916), which followed the silent classic 'The Birth of a Nation.'
Hollywood saw a surge in sequels in the 1970s, with hits like 'The Godfather Part II' setting new standards for follow-up films.
Some popular sequels have outperformed the originals, such as 'Toy Story 3,' which received critical acclaim and box office success.

Literature

Charles Dickens created sequels in his novels, like 'Great Expectations' leading to stories in other works.
A famous literary sequel is 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,' which blends the original story with a zombie theme.
The use of sequels allows authors to expand on characters, creating deeper narratives and engaging plots.

Video Games

Popular game franchises, like Super Mario, have numerous sequels, each introducing new features and challenges.
Sequels in gaming often enhance graphics and mechanics, improving player experience significantly compared to original releases.
The Legend of Zelda series has captivated audiences with its sequels, exploring different timelines and gameplay styles.

Cultural Impact

Sequels often reflect cultural trends, with modern themes addressing social issues presented in the original stories.
They can reignite interest in the original work, leading to nostalgia-driven reboots and remakes.
Discussions around sequels often divide audiences, with some fans eager for more and others preferring the original story.

Psychology

Sequels play on the concept of familiarity, making audiences comfortable with seen characters or worlds.
People often develop emotional bonds with characters, which encourages them to seek out their follow-up stories.
The anticipation associated with sequels can trigger excitement and investment from fans, heightening their engagement.

Translations

Translations of the word "sequels" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sequências

🇮🇳 सीक्वेल

🇩🇪 Fortsetzungen

🇮🇩 sekuel

🇺🇦 сиквели

🇵🇱 kontynuacje

🇯🇵 続編

🇫🇷 suites

🇪🇸 secuela

🇹🇷 devam filmleri

🇰🇷 속편

🇸🇦 تتابعات

🇨🇿 pokračování

🇸🇰 pokračovania

🇨🇳 续集

🇸🇮 nadaljevanja

🇮🇸 framhaldsmyndir

🇰🇿 жалғастырулар

🇬🇪 გაგრძელებები

🇦🇿 ardıcıllar

🇲🇽 secuela

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,610, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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29607 pencilled
29608 ejaculate
29609 irradiating
29610 sequels
29611 campaigner
29612 whaler
29613 reproaching
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