successivamente
Lemma: successivamente
Translation: subsequently; afterwards; later; next; thereafter (adverb)
Etymology: Derived from the feminine form of the adjective 'successivo' (successive, subsequent) + the adverbial suffix '-mente'. The root comes from Latin 'successivus', from 'succedere' meaning 'to follow after', which is composed of 'sub-' (under, after) + 'cedere' (to go, yield). The English cognate 'successive' shares the same Latin origin, making the connection between 'successivamente' and 'subsequently' quite transparent.
Example Usage
Prima abbiamo visitato il museo, successivamente siamo andati al ristorante.
First we visited the museum, afterwards we went to the restaurant.
Il presidente ha fatto un annuncio importante e successivamente ha risposto alle domande dei giornalisti.
The president made an important announcement and subsequently answered the journalists' questions.
Completa il modulo e successivamente invialo via email.
Complete the form and then send it via email.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'success' + 'iva' + 'mente' = 'successivamente', where one success follows another in succession.
- Remember the English word 'successive' and add the Italian adverbial ending '-mente' (like the English '-ly').
- Visualize a series of steps, each one coming 'subsequently' after the previous one.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This adverb is commonly used in both written and spoken Italian, particularly in formal contexts such as academic writing, news reporting, and business communication. It helps establish clear chronological sequences in narratives and explanations.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'successivamente' means 'subsequently' or 'afterwards', 'precedentemente' means the opposite: 'previously' or 'beforehand'. They both describe temporal relationships but in opposite directions.
Confused word:
Precedentemente avevo studiato francese, ora studio italiano.
Previously I had studied French, now I study Italian.
Notes: Both are formal adverbs formed with the '-mente' suffix, equivalent to English '-ly'.
Mnemonic: 'Successivamente' contains 'success', which comes after effort, while 'precedentemente' contains 'precede', which comes before.
Explanation: 'Successivamente' indicates a chronological sequence (one thing after another in time), while 'conseguentemente' indicates a logical consequence (one thing resulting from another).
Confused word:
Ha studiato molto, conseguentemente ha superato l'esame.
He studied a lot, consequently he passed the exam.
Notes: Both are somewhat formal adverbs, but 'conseguentemente' is more common in academic and logical discourse.
Mnemonic: 'Conseguentemente' contains 'conseguenza' (consequence), so it's about cause and effect, not just sequence.