series
gb/sˈɪɹiz/ us/sˈɪɹiz/
A2
English
~ 800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
A set of related things in order
A group of things or events that happen or are placed one after another.
Usage pattern:
a series of [things/events/actions]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'series' (singular) with 'serial' (which can be an adjective or noun for a story told in parts). Remember 'series' can be singular or plural in form.
Synonyms
sequence (Implies a strict order, often chronological.)
|
set (Less emphasis on order, more on grouping.)
Antonyms
one-off (Refers to something that happens only once, not as part of a sequence.)
Collocations
a television series
|a book series
|a series of events
|a film series
|a lecture series
Themes
media
|science
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
|time
Examples
- The BBC has announced a new drama series.
- She gave a series of lectures on modern art.
- A series of strange events led to his resignation.
- The novels are part of a popular fantasy series.
- The company is hosting a series of workshops this summer.
Learner examples
- I like to watch a TV series every weekend.
- This book is the first in a series.
- We saw a series of photos on the wall.
- He told a series of funny stories.
Noun
technical
B1
entity
2
Electrical components connected end-to-end
A way to connect electrical parts so the same current goes through each one in turn.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'series' with 'parallel' in electrical contexts; remember that 'series' means end-to-end.
Synonyms
series circuit (The standard term in electronics for this connection type.)
Antonyms
parallel (In parallel circuits, components share the same voltage rather than the same current.)
Collocations
wired in series
|series circuit
|connected in series
Themes
science
|engineering
|technology
Examples
- The batteries are connected in series to increase the voltage.
- If one bulb in a series circuit burns out, the whole circuit is broken.
- Series connections are common in simple electronic projects.
Learner examples
- The lights are in series.
- We connected the batteries in series.
- In a series circuit, the power stops if one part breaks.
Noun
B1
event
3
Set of sports games between teams
Several games between the same teams to find the winner.
Synonyms
matchup (Informal; refers to a meeting between teams, not necessarily multiple games.)
Antonyms
single match (Only one game instead of multiple games.)
Collocations
playoff series
|World Series
|best-of-seven series
Themes
sports
Examples
- The team won the playoff series four games to two.
- They are leading the championship series.
- The World Series is the highlight of the baseball season.
Learner examples
- Our team won the final series.
- They play a best-of-five series.
- The World Series is very famous.
Grammar
Dictionary form
series
IPA
GB/sˈɪɹiz/
US/sˈɪɹiz/
Syllables & stress
series (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (series)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: series
- Plural: series
Word family
Core family
serial
adjective B1
Related words
serialize
verb
Advanced or less common
serialization
noun
Expressions
a series of
1/ə sˈɪɹiz əv/
fixed phrase
Several similar things in order
Used to talk about many similar things happening or placed one after another.
Examples
- She experienced a series of delays on her journey.
- The project faced a series of challenges before completion.
in series
1/ˈɪn sˈɪɹiz/
fixed phrase
technical
Connected one after another
When things are connected so each one follows the other directly.
Examples
- The batteries are wired in series for higher voltage.
- These machines work best when used in series.