consecutive

Where does the word "consecutive" come from? It comes from Latin sequi, passing through Latin before entering English (1600s).

Consecutive’s story begins in Latin: sequi meant “to follow.” To follow, combined with com- (thoroughly). Within Latin, it grew into consequi by ancient. To follow closely, from com- and sequi, with irregular past participle consecutus. It reached English by 1600s as consecutive. Settled as the English word for things following one another without interruption. Today, consecutive means following one after another in sequence, without interruption.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient sequi "to follow", to follow, combined with com- (thoroughly).
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient consequi "to follow closely", to follow closely, from com- and sequi, with irregular past participle consecutus.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1600s consecutive "following one after another without interruption", settled as the English word for things following one another without interruption.