WordGarden.ioserially
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈiərɪəli/
US
Meanings
Adverb
in a series or sequence, one after another
in computing or electronics, one unit at a time in order
in separate installments as a serial publication or release
Beyond the definition
Imagine a detective solving a mystery—they don't jump around randomly! They examine clues serially, meaning in order, one clue at a time. It describes something happening or being done in a series, dealing with things individually and in turn. A novelist might release a story serially—publishing it chapter by chapter over time. Think of it like beads on a string: each bead (event, item, etc.) follows the last in a specific order.
The word hints at "series," which is helpful to remember! While often used for things happening one after another, it can also describe something designed to be experienced that way—like a serially connected circuit or a serially numbered list. It's not just about time; it's about the method of processing or presenting information.
The word "serially" describes something happening, being done, or arranged in a sequence—one thing after another. It emphasizes that items are dealt with individually and in order, rather than all at once or randomly. For example: "The data was processed serially by the computer," meaning each piece of information was handled sequentially.
You'll often encounter "serially" when discussing processes, events, or publications. A television show might be broadcast serially, with episodes released weekly to build anticipation. A historian might examine documents serially—going through them one by one in chronological order.
Beyond just time-based sequences, "serially" can also describe connections. In electronics, components are sometimes connected serially, meaning electricity flows through each component in a single path. Similarly, items on a list might be serially numbered—labeled 1, 2, 3, and so on.
It's important to distinguish "serially" from "simultaneously." Simultaneous events happen at the same time; serial events happen one after another. A chef might prepare ingredients serially, chopping vegetables before moving on to meat, but they might cook several dishes simultaneously on different burners.
So, whether it's a sequence of events, a method of processing information, or a way of connecting components, "serially" signifies an ordered, one-after-another approach.
Examples
- 1
Computing process
The system processes each request serially, so it slows down when too many arrive at once.
- 2
Medical monitoring
The doctor checked the patient's blood pressure serially over several hours.
- 3
Publishing format
Her first novel was published serially in a newspaper before it came out as a book.
- Phrasepublished serially
published in separate parts over time
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- one by one
- in turn
- chronologically
Contrast
- simultaneously
- in parallel
Used with (collocations)
- process serially
- executed serially
- connected serially
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- seriallyadverb