Reading Theme:
Succession: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：a series of (succession)
succession
/səkˈseʃ.ən/
n.
a number of things or people coming one after another without interruption.
a series of
➕
/ə ˈsɪə.riːz ɒv/
n.
Refers to a number of things or events that follow each other in an uninterrupted sequence.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'sub-' (after) + 'cedere' (to go), meaning 'to go after'.
💡 Mnemonic
SUCcess is a CESSpool of events one after another. Remember 'SUC-CESS' for 'sequence under continuity'.
📖 Example
After the storm, we saw a succession of beautiful sunsets every evening.
Following the storm, we observed a series of stunning sunsets on consecutive evenings.
🔗 Collocations
a succession of events – a series of occurrences happening one after the other
in rapid succession – following one another very quickly
in succession to – immediately following after something
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
simultaneity (n.) – the fact of happening or being done at exactly the same time
🌱 Derivatives
successive (adj.) – following one after another in a series
successor (n.) – a person or thing that succeeds another
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'successio' (a following after), it initially referred to legal inheritance. The concept became central to monarchies, notably in English history with rules of royal succession. The term now broadly applies to orderly sequences in nature, business, and leadership.
Meaning 2：taking over a position (succession)
succession
/səkˈseʃ.ən/
n.
the process by which someone officially takes over a position or title from someone else.
taking over a position
➕
/ˈteɪ.kɪŋ ˈəʊ.vər ə pəˈzɪʃ.ən/
n.
Refers to the formal process of assuming a role, title, or office from a predecessor.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The board announced a smooth succession plan, with the current CEO's deputy taking over next year.
The board of directors revealed a well-organized plan for leadership transition, where the current chief executive officer's assistant will assume the role next year.
🔗 Collocations
succession plan – a strategy for replacing key personnel when they leave
line of succession – the official order of people who will take over a position if the current holder becomes unavailable
order of succession – the sequence in which individuals are entitled to assume a high office
🔄 Synonyms
accession (n.) – the attainment of a position of rank or power
takeover (n.) – an act of assuming control of something
inheritance (n.) – the reception of a title, office, or right as an heir
🚫 Antonyms
abdication (n.) – an act of giving up power or responsibility, often by a monarch
🌱 Derivatives
successor (n.) – a person who follows another in a position or role
successional (adj.) – relating to or involving succession
Wordbook
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