Succession
/səkˈsɛʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe action or process of inheriting or taking over a position, title, or property.
/səkˈsɛʃən/
The action or process of inheriting a title, office, property, etc.
The company's succession plan ensures a smooth transition of leadership.
💡 Simply: Imagine a line of people waiting to take a job or a throne. Succession is the order in which they get to do it!
👶 For kids: When someone takes over a job or a king's place after someone else.
More Examples
The succession of seasons marks the passage of time.
After the king's death, the succession to the throne was peaceful.
How It's Used
"The law of succession governs how property is transferred after death."
"The order of succession to the throne is clearly defined."
A number of people or things of a similar kind following one another.
/səkˈsɛʃən/
A series of things or people following one another.
The exhibition presented a succession of artworks from different periods.
💡 Simply: Like a line of dominoes falling one after the other, this is when things happen in a series.
👶 For kids: When one thing happens after another, like a chain of events.
More Examples
There was a rapid succession of events that changed the political landscape.
The botanical garden displayed a succession of flowering plants.
How It's Used
"The succession of dynasties in China lasted for centuries."
"Ecological succession describes the changes in plant and animal communities over time."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
in rapid succession
One thing immediately following another, quickly and without interruption.
"The goals were scored in rapid succession, leading to a victory."
order of succession
The established sequence of individuals or entities entitled to inherit a specific office, position, or property, particularly in the context of monarchies, legal contexts, or organizational leadership.
"The order of succession to the throne is clearly defined."
From Latin *successio*, meaning 'a following, a sequence', from *succedere* 'to follow after, succeed'.
The word has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to a 'following' or 'series' of events, and later in legal contexts to describe inheritance.
Memory tip
Think of the *succession* of kings—one follows another.
Word Origin
"to follow after, succeed"