sequence
gb/sˈikwəns/ us/sˈikwəns/
B1
English
~ 1700
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
things arranged in order
A group of things that come one after another in a certain order.
Usage pattern:
a sequence of [things/events/actions]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'sequence' with 'consequence'; 'sequence' is about order, while 'consequence' means a result.
Synonyms
series (Often interchangeable, but 'series' can be less strict about order and may imply continuation over time.)
|
order (Refers more generally to arrangement; not always about connected items.)
Antonyms
randomness (Indicates no specific order or arrangement.)
Collocations
in sequence
|a sequence of events
|numerical sequence
|DNA sequence
|follow the sequence
Themes
mathematics
|time
|storytelling
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The film opens with a dramatic sequence of explosions.
- Please follow the correct sequence when assembling the parts.
- The magician performed a sequence of amazing tricks.
- In this game, you must remember the sequence of colors.
- The DNA sequence determines the characteristics of an organism.
Learner examples
- We learned a sequence of numbers in math.
- The story has a clear sequence of events.
- I put the photos in the right sequence.
- He forgot the sequence of steps to make tea.
- Follow the sequence to finish the puzzle.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
2
ordered list in mathematics
A list of numbers or things in order that follow a rule.
Synonyms
progression (Used in mathematics for sequences that change by a constant difference or ratio.)
Collocations
arithmetic sequence
|geometric sequence
|infinite sequence
|finite sequence
Themes
mathematics
|science
|education
Examples
- The Fibonacci sequence begins with 0 and 1.
- An arithmetic sequence increases by the same amount each time.
- We studied infinite sequences in calculus class.
- This sequence repeats every five terms.
Learner examples
- We learned about the Fibonacci sequence.
- This is an arithmetic sequence.
- The numbers make a special sequence.
- The teacher wrote the sequence on the board.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
3
part of film or program
A short part of a movie or show that tells part of the story.
Synonyms
scene ('Scene' is more general; 'sequence' may include several scenes forming a unit.)
Collocations
opening sequence
|action sequence
|closing sequence
|title sequence
Themes
film
|media
|arts_entertainment
|communication
Examples
- The car chase sequence took three weeks to film.
- The opening sequence sets the mood for the movie.
- They cut one violent sequence from the final version.
Learner examples
- The movie starts with an action sequence.
- The title sequence shows pictures and names.
- That funny sequence made me laugh.
Grammar
Dictionary form
sequence
IPA
GB/sˈikwəns/
US/sˈikwəns/
Syllables & stress
se - quence (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (se)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: sequence
- Plural: sequence, sequences
Word family
Forms
sequences
noun
Core family
sequential
adjective B2
Related words
sequentially
adverb
sequel
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
nonsequential
adjective
Advanced or less common
sequencing
noun
sequencer
noun
Expressions
in sequence
1/ˈɪn sˈikwəns/
fixed phrase
in correct order
Happening or arranged in the right order.
Examples
- Please arrange the books in sequence from smallest to largest.
- The lights flashed in sequence to create an effect.
out of sequence
1/ˈaʊt əv sˈikwəns/
fixed phrase
not in correct order
Not happening or arranged in the right order.
Examples
- One scene was shown out of sequence by mistake.
- Your steps are out of sequence; please start again.