What does sequentially mean?
Sequentially means in an ordered succession, with one thing following another. It is used especially when describing stages of a process, the order in which actions occur, or the arrangement of items. Saying that tests were administered sequentially, for example, indicates that each test followed the previous one, without implying that they happened at exactly the same time. The adverb can also indicate that something was done according to a specified sequence or numbering system. In technical and formal contexts, it efficiently conveys both progression and order. In everyday conversation, alternatives such as “one after another,” “in succession,” and “in order” may be more conversational, while “sequentially” is especially useful in instructions, descriptions of systems, and discussions of procedures. Its association with careful progression also distinguishes it from language suggesting simultaneity, randomness, or lack of organization.
adverbIn a sequence or in an ordered succession, one after another. It may also mean according to a specified sequence.
- In an ordered succession, one after another.
- According to a particular sequence or order.
"The sensors must be activated sequentially to prevent the system from overheating."
"The interview questions were presented sequentially rather than randomly."
"The medication must be taken sequentially at the intervals specified on the label."
From the Latin verb sequi, meaning “to follow,” sequentially comes from the idea of following one thing after another.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sequentially come from?
Sequentially was formed in English from the adjective sequential, which comes from Latin present participle sequentialem, meaning “following” or “in succession.” That adjective is derived from sequi, the Latin verb meaning “to follow,” and ultimately from the same Proto-Indo-European root that underlies English words such as second and suitor. The adverb retains the idea of proceeding step by step according to an order.
How sequentially is actually used
Common in technical, scientific, procedural, and formal contexts. In ordinary speech, “one after another” or “in order” may sound more natural.
Easily confused with sequentially
“Sequentially” describes something done according to an order, whereas “sequence” names the ordered series itself or the arrangement of elements.
“Sequentially” means one after another, while “simultaneously” means at the same time.