Meaning
相继 describes events or actions that happen one after another in a continuous sequence. It emphasizes the successive nature of multiple occurrences, often implying a causal or temporal connection between them. This adverb is commonly used in formal or written contexts to describe a series of related events.
Usage
相继 is primarily used in formal writing, news reports, and official documents. It typically appears before verbs to modify the manner of action. Native speakers use it when describing multiple people doing the same thing in sequence, or when events unfold one after another over time. It carries a more literary tone than casual alternatives like 一个接一个.
Examples
- 01几位专家相继发言，表达了他们的看法。, .Several experts spoke one after another, expressing their views.
- 02三家公司相继宣布破产，引起了市场的关注。, .Three companies declared bankruptcy one after another, drawing market attention.
Characters
Common collocations
- 相继出现to appear one after another
- 相继发生to occur successively
- 相继去世to pass away one after another
- 相继离开to leave successively
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 相 (mutually/reciprocally) with 继 (to continue/succeed), literally meaning 'mutually continuing' or 'following one another.' This captures the essence of successive occurrence.