Succession: meaning, definitions and examples

👑
Add to dictionary

succession

 

[ səkˈsɛʃ(ə)n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

inheritance

The action or process of inheriting a title, office, property, etc.

Synonyms

heirship, inheritance, line of descent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
succession

Used to describe the process or order in which one person follows another, especially in roles of importance like monarchy or leadership.

  • The succession to the throne is often mired in political intrigue
  • The company planned a smooth succession for the retiring CEO
inheritance

Commonly used to talk about property, money, or other possessions passed down from someone who has died.

  • John received a substantial inheritance from his grandfather
  • The inheritance was divided equally among the siblings
line of descent

Used to describe the lineage or family tree, showing the genealogy and hereditary path.

  • The line of descent can sometimes reveal surprising ancestors
  • The king's line of descent was meticulously documented
heirship

Refers to the status or condition of being an heir, specifically focusing on rights and claims to an inheritance.

  • Sarah's heirship was questioned due to the disputed will
  • Heirship can sometimes lead to family conflicts

Examples of usage

  • The prince was next in line for the succession to the throne.
  • She was disappointed when she found out she was not included in the succession plan.
Context #2 | Noun

sequence

A number of people or things that follow each other in order.

Synonyms

chain, order, sequence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
succession

The repeated use of 'succession' likely indicates an error. Refer to the first entry for its context.

sequence

Sequence is typically used to describe a specific set of events or actions that follow each other in a particular order, especially in a logical or planned way.

  • The sequence of steps should be followed to complete the experiment.
  • The movie's opening sequence was very exciting.
order

Order is used to describe the arrangement or sequence of things or events according to a particular method or system. It can also refer to a state of organized arrangement.

  • Please put the books back in alphabetical order.
  • The soldiers marched in perfect order.
chain

Chain is used when referring to a connected series of things or events, often emphasizing the linkage between them. This term can be used in both literal and figurative senses.

  • The chain of events that led to the discovery was truly remarkable.
  • He bought a gold chain for his wife.

Examples of usage

  • The succession of events led to the final outcome.
  • The book is a series of stories that are connected in succession.

Translations

Translations of the word "succession" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sucessão

🇮🇳 उत्तराधिकार

🇩🇪 Nachfolge

🇮🇩 suksesi

🇺🇦 спадкоємність

🇵🇱 sukcesja

🇯🇵 継承 (けいしょう)

🇫🇷 succession

🇪🇸 sucesión

🇹🇷 ardıllık

🇰🇷 계승 (gyeseung)

🇸🇦 خلافة

🇨🇿 nástupnictví

🇸🇰 nástupníctvo

🇨🇳 继承 (jìchéng)

🇸🇮 nasledstvo

🇮🇸 erfðir

🇰🇿 мұрагерлік

🇬🇪 მემკვიდრეობა

🇦🇿 varislik

🇲🇽 sucesión

Etymology

The word 'succession' originated from the Latin word 'successio' meaning 'a following after, a coming into another's place'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century. The concept of succession has been important throughout history, especially in matters of inheritance and royalty.

See also: successes, successful, successfully, successive, successively, successor, successors, unsuccess, unsuccessful, unsuccessfully.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,694, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.