sequence

The word “sequence” means a set of things arranged in a particular order, one after another. In plain terms, a number of things happening or arranged one after another, in a set order.

“Sequence” is pronounced SEE-kwuhns (/ˈsi.kwəns/ in IPA).

Here is “sequence” used in a sentence: “Follow the sequence of steps carefully when assembling the shelf.”

Words with a similar meaning to “sequence” include array, chain, procession, consecution, series and string.

The opposite of “sequence” — its antonyms — is hodgepodge.

Depending on how it is used, “sequence” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “sequence” comes from Late Latin. From Old French sequence, from Late Latin sequentia, "a following," from Latin sequī, "to follow.".

“Sequence” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

A sequence stresses that things follow one another in a particular, fixed order, one after another. A series simply refers to a number of related things or events grouped together; in mathematics, a sequence is an ordered list of terms, whereas a series is the sum of those terms.

Use "sequence" when you mean the actual succession of items following one another, and "order" when you mean the principle or arrangement governing them. A sequence is the concrete run of items itself, while "order" can also mean tidiness or a command.

"Sequence" most often pairs with "of," as in "a sequence of events," and with "in," as in "arranged in sequence." To do something "out of sequence" means to do it in the wrong order.