sequentially
UK[sɪˈkwenʃəli]US[sɪˈkwenʃəli]
adv
In a way that follows a logical order or sequence; one after another.
Morpheme Breakdown
sequent
ial
ly
sequent
following
ial
adjective suffix
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
The word 'sequentially' is built upon the Latin verb sequi, meaning "to follow," which itself descends from the Proto-Indo-European root sekw-, carrying the core idea of following. The adjective-forming suffix -ial was added to create 'sequential,' meaning "characteristic of or forming a sequence." Finally, the ubiquitous Old English adverbial suffix -ly was appended, transforming it into the modern adverb. Thus, the literal construction "in a manner characterized by following" elegantly captures the modern abstract meaning of things occurring in a connected, successive order.
Analysis
Structure: sequent (following) + ial (adjective suffix) + ly (adverb suffix)
- sequent: From Latin sequens, present participle of sequi (to follow). In this word, it functions as the core root conveying the sense of "following."
- ial: A suffix of Latin origin (-ialis) used to form adjectives meaning "relating to or characterized by."
- ly: A suffix of Old English origin (-lice) used to form adverbs from adjectives, meaning "in a manner of."
Examples
The data points were processed sequentially, not all at once.
Please read the chapters sequentially to understand the plot.
The tasks must be completed sequentially, as each depends on the previous one.