successively - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
successively Word Meanings
- occurring one after another
- following in order
- sequential
successively Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
- The team won three successive games.
- She read three successive books this week.
- They had successive meetings to plan the event.
- Successive days of rain kept us inside.
- He made successive improvements in his work.
successively Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/səkˈsɛsɪv/
US
/səkˈsɛsɪv/
successively Word Etymology
Root: 'success' (suc- from Latin 'sub-' + 'cedere' to go) + 'ive'. Origin: Latin 'successivus' to Old French to English. Memory image: Picture a line of dominos falling, each one knocking over the next, illustrating how successive events lead one after another.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
Starting with a quiet push of the first switch, I move my hand to the next, then turn and adjust as I go. The successive lights come on one by one, each small change snapping into place in the sequence. I feel the control tighten and loosen, a mental shift guiding what comes next, as I hold steady or let the pace vary. In the end the lights line up in order, a neat, sequential feel that makes the word 'successive' click in my mind.
Real Context
Successive describes things that come one after another in a sequence, with no gaps between them. It is used for events, steps, or items that follow in order. The word comes from Latin successivus, formed from sub- and cedere, meaning to go toward after; it passed through Old French into English. A common memory image is a line of dominoes falling, each knocking over the next, illustrating how successive events chain together. In practice you can talk about successive days, successive versions, or successive attempts. Learners often mix it up with consecutive; the nuance is that successive emphasizes a continuing progression rather than merely counting. Its adverb is successively.
Usage Reminders
- - Use successive for items in a clear chain of events
- - Distinguish from consecutive by focusing on ongoing progression rather than mere counting
- - Pair with nouns like days, versions, or attempts
- - Remember the adverb 'successively' for describing actions over time
- - Prefer 'in succession' when you want a simpler phrase
- - Check context to avoid mixing with 'consecutive' or 'successional'
Common Misconceptions
- It means merely counting items in a row rather than describing a progression.
- It is identical to 'consecutive' in all contexts.
- It can function as a noun.
- It describes immediate events with no gap.
- It only works with time-related nouns.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- - Practice with time-based contexts to highlight progression
- - Compare successive with consecutive to feel the nuance
- - Use 'successively' to describe actions over time
- - Create your own sequences (days, steps, versions)
- - Listen for collocations like 'successive days' or 'successive versions'
- - Check your understanding with quick quizzes
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'successively'?
A.Happening at the same time
B.Being spontaneous
C.Occurring one after another
D.Acting in isolation
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correct usage of 'successively' in a sentence.
A.The team played successively without any plans.
B.They arrived successively at the same time.
C.He won several championships successively.
D.She smiled successively during the meeting.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'successively'?
A.Sequentially
B.Simultaneously
C.Randomly
D.Independently
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'successively'?
A.Consecutively
B.Continuously
C.Randomly
D.Intermittently
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where one might use the word 'successively'?
A.An event happening on different days
B.A film series released one after another
C.Friends meeting at a café at the same time
D.People arriving at a party in a staggered manner
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App