consecutively

Consecutively is an adverb describing events, items, or numbers that follow each other in uninterrupted order. When things occur consecutively, each item immediately succeeds the previous one without gaps or reordering.

In mathematics, consecutive typically refers to numbers that differ by one, such as consecutive integers 7, 8, 9. It can describe consecutive terms in a sequence, with each term directly following the previous one. The phrase is used in contexts like “three consecutive even numbers” or “k consecutive terms of an arithmetic progression.” In data management or scheduling, consecutively numbered rows or days imply no missing entries.

Linguistically, consecutively is the adverb form of consecutive and is used to indicate a running sequence. For example, “The records were filed consecutively for three years.” Some usage guides distinguish consecutive from sequential: consecutive emphasizes immediate succession with unit steps, typically one apart, while sequential is broader and may allow varying gaps.

Etymology: from Latin consecutus, past participle of consequor “to follow.” Related terms include succession, serial, and in a row.

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