consecutive

/kənˈsɛkjədɪv/

/kənˈsɛkjutɪv/

Other forms: consecutives

If things are consecutive, they happen one after the other with no break. If there are five consecutive snowstorms on five consecutive days, you'll have to shovel your way out on day six.

Consecutive comes from the Latin consecutus, meaning "following closely" with no gap. Just like those snowstorms — one storm happened each day, back to back, for five days in a row. Consecutive numbers also follow each other, or advance in the right order. For example, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 are consecutive numbers. You should number the pages on a term paper to keep them consecutive so the teacher doesn't get confused.

Definitions of consecutive

1. adjective

   one after the other
   synonyms: back-to-back

   succeeding

   coming after or following
2. adjective

   in regular succession without gaps
   synonyms: sequent, sequential, serial, successive

   ordered

   having a systematic arrangement; especially having elements succeeding in order according to rule
3. adjective

   successive (without a break)
   synonyms: straight

   continuous, uninterrupted

   continuing in time or space without interruption
4. adverb

   in a consecutive manner
   synonyms: sequentially