successione
/sut.t͡ʃesˈsjo.ne/feminine
The English word 'succession' is translated into Italian as successione.
successione is used to describe a sequence or a series of things that follow one another. In contexts where you wish to emphasize the aspect of transmission, such as the passing down of something, the formal term trasmissione can also be used.
Meaning: following in sequence (noun)
Which one should you use?
While successione refers to a sequence or a series of things following one another, the word successivo (the adjective form) is more commonly used in everyday speech to describe something that follows in time or order.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of successione is successioni.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /sut.tʃesˈsjo.ne/.
Did you know?
- While successione describes a sequence, the related word successo means 'success' in the sense of achieving a goal, despite sharing the same root.
- In Italian, the term successione ereditaria is used to describe inheriting a deceased person's estate. To an English speaker, this sounds like a mathematical sequence, but it is the standard legal term for probate.
- The Latin origin of successione contains a hidden spatial element, as it is built from a root meaning 'to come under' or 'to follow' in a sequence.
Examples in context
- La trasmissione del potere da un sovrano all'altro è stata impeccabile.The succession of power from one sovereign to another was flawless.
- Quella catastrofe è stata causata da una lunga catena di eventi sfortunati.That catastrophe was caused by a long succession of unfortunate events.
- La sequenza di vittorie ha portato il team alla vittoria del campionato.The succession of victories led the team to win the championship.
- C'è stata una successione di eventi sfortunati.There was a succession of unfortunate events.
- Seguì una successione di numeri molto lunghi.A succession of very long numbers followed.
- La successione delle stagioni è molto bella.The succession of the seasons is very beautiful.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are discussing the pattern of weather changes.
- AlessandroHai notato la successione di giorni piovosi?Have you noticed the succession of rainy days?
- SofiaSì, Alessandro, è davvero deprimente.Yes, Alessandro, it is truly depressing.
- AlessandroSpero che domani il sole torni.I hope the sun returns tomorrow.
- SofiaSpero anche io, davvero.I hope so too, really.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “succession” translations and entries successione, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries successione, CC BY-SA 4.0.
