sunod

Sunod is a term found in several Philippine languages, including Cebuano, Hiligaynon, and Tagalog-influenced speech, where it generally conveys the idea of following or being next in order. It functions as a root meaning “to follow” and, in certain forms, can refer to the next item in a sequence or to something arranged in a line. A common compound form is sunod-sunod, meaning sequential or consecutive.

In usage, sunod appears in contexts involving order, progression, or compliance. It can describe events that occur in a series or indicate that one should follow a rule or instruction. The word is versatile enough to appear in everyday phrases about schedules, lists, or steps, reflecting its broad sense of sequence and adherence.

Etymologically, sunod is considered a native Austronesian term, with related cognates across languages in the region that share a similar sense of following or ordering. While it is primarily a common noun or verb in ordinary speech, it is not typically used as a proper noun. In some areas, it may appear as part of local expressions or as a component in compound terms related to order and sequence.