Sequor

Sequor is a Latin deponent verb meaning “I follow.” It appears in classical Latin with senses including following in sequence, pursuing, accompanying, or imitating. Because it is deponent, its forms are passive in appearance but active in meaning, so it is translated actively even though its morphology resembles the passive voice. The principal parts are sequor, sequi, secutus sum; the present system forms are sequor, sequeris, sequitur, sequimur, sequimini, sequuntur; the infinitive is sequi and the perfect participle is secutus sum.

Usage notes emphasize that sequor governs its object in the accusative to specify what is followed (for example, sequor te, “I follow you”). It can also be used in figurative or sequential senses, such as following a plan or a course of action, and appears in constructions with participial or adverbial phrases to indicate sequence or consequence. In subordinate clauses, the related subjunctive form sequatur may occur, as in indirect statements or deliberative contexts.

Etymology and cognates: sequor derives from the Latin sequi, “to follow,” itself from a Proto-Italic root sequ- and ultimately from a Proto-Indo-European root associated with following or succeeding. The root has yielded English derivatives such as sequence, sequent, and sequel, as well as related terms like obsequor and obsequium, which retain connections to obedience or compliance.

See also: sequi, sequence, sequel, consequence, obsequor. Sequor is primarily of interest in the study of classical Latin grammar and philology, where its deponent morphology and uses are typical of the language’s expressive range.