What does sequent mean?
Sequent is a formal word meaning “following” or “coming next in a sequence.” In general contexts, it can describe one item or event succeeding another, though native English speakers normally prefer words such as following, subsequent, or successive. Sequent is especially important in logic, where it denotes a proposition that follows another proposition within an argument or formal sequence. In that specialized use, the word emphasizes the order and logical succession of propositions rather than simply their practical timing. Sequent is related in origin and meaning to consequent, but the terms have distinct technical roles. The word’s Latin ancestry is transparent: it comes from sequens, the present participle of sequi, meaning “to follow.” The same root produced familiar English words including sequence, sequential, consecutive, and subsequent. Because sequent is uncommon outside formal writing, it can lend a learned or technical tone, but it remains useful when precision about logical or sequential relationships matters.
Following or coming next in a series or order.
"The sequent section sets out the arguments that build on the initial claim."
Formal and uncommon; usually replaced in ordinary prose by following, subsequent, or successive.
In logic, a proposition that follows another proposition in an argument or sequence of propositions.
"The system automatically checked the sequent against the preceding premises."
Chiefly used in logic, formal systems, and specialized discussion of reasoning.
The plural is used when referring to multiple propositions in a sequence or argument.
"The proof requires several sequents to be derived from the initial assumptions."
Sequent comes from a Latin participle meaning “following”—the same root that gives us sequence and subsequent.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sequent come from?
Sequent comes from Latin sequens, the present participle of sequi, “to follow.” English borrowed the term for use in logic, where it refers to a proposition following another. The Latin root also underlies cognates such as consequent, consecutive, sequence, and sequential.
How sequent is actually used
Sequent is formal and uncommon in ordinary prose. It is encountered chiefly in logic and in specialized writing concerned with sequences. In general English, “following,” “subsequent,” or “successive” will usually sound more natural.
Easily confused with sequent
A consequent is a conclusion derived from premises, whereas a sequent is a proposition occurring next in a logical sequence.