Word part · Latin root
Sequ root words: meaning and 13 examples
In short
The Latin root sequ (from Latin) means "follow". It is also spelled secut. Words with it include sequence, sequences, sequencing, consequence, consequences and consequent. The qu says /kw/.
- Part
- sequ
- Meaning
- follow
- Origin
- Latin
- Also spelled
- secut
- Words listed
- 13
The qu says /kw/. Spelled secut in consecutive, where the u stays but the q turns into c.
Words with the Latin root sequ
The list runs from shorter, common words to longer ones. The bands are a rough guide built from syllable count and how common each word is in our word list, not a grade-level standard. Read each word, then its word sum.
Colors:prefixroot or basesuffix
Start here: short, common words (about grades 3 and 4)
| Word | Word sum | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| sequence | sequ (root or base)+ence (suffix)→sequence | the order in which things follow each other |
More words: sequel
Next: longer words (about grades 5 and 6)
| Word | Word sum | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| sequences | sequ (root or base)+ence (suffix)+s (suffix)→sequences | more than one sequence |
| consequence | con (prefix)+sequ (root or base)+ence (suffix)→consequence | something that follows from an action |
| consequences | con (prefix)+sequ (root or base)+ence (suffix)+s (suffix)→consequences | the results that follow an action |
| consequent | con (prefix)+sequ (root or base)+ent (suffix)→consequent | following as a result |
| consequently | con (prefix)+sequ (root or base)+ent (suffix)+ly (suffix)→consequently | as a result |
| subsequent | sub (prefix)+sequ (root or base)+ent (suffix)→subsequent | coming after |
More words: sequential
Stretch: long or less common words (about grades 7 and 8)
| Word | Word sum | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| sequencing | sequ (root or base)+ence (suffix)+ing (suffix)→sequencingdrop the e | putting things in the order they follow |
| subsequently | sub (prefix)+sequ (root or base)+ent (suffix)+ly (suffix)→subsequently | later, afterward |
| consecutive | con (prefix)+secut (root or base)+ive (suffix)→consecutive | following one after another with no gap |
More words: sequels
Where does sequ sit in a word?
A root can come first, last or in the middle. Students who only look at the start of a word miss half of these.
- At the start:
- sequence, sequences, sequencing
- In the middle:
- consequence, consequences, consequent, consequently, subsequent, subsequently, consecutive
How do you teach the root sequ?
Line up three students and ask who follows whom. That's a sequence, the order in which things follow. A sequel is the book that follows the first one. A consequence follows from what you do. Point out the qu, which says /kw/, and then the secut spelling in consecutive, where days follow one after another with no gap.
A quick routine
Write sequence, sequel and consequence. Say, "Sequ means follow. What follows what?" The student answers for each: steps follow each other, a book follows a book, a result follows an action. Then hand over four picture cards and say, "Sequence these." Finish by building con + sequ + ent + ly and reading it.
What do students mix up with sequ?
Students sometimes think consequence always means punishment. It means any result that follows, good or bad. Second, as in second place, comes from this root too, since it follows first, but the spelling hides it. Sequin only looks related; it comes from a word for a coin.
Some of these words change spelling where the parts join. The spelling rules pages cover dropping e, doubling and changing y to i. For the sounds inside these words, see the phonics word lists. Routines that fit: meanings of prefixes and suffixes, circle the parts, read the base and flexible routine for big words.
Questions people ask
What does the root sequ mean?
Sequ means "follow". It is a Latin root, also spelled secut. The qu says /kw/. Spelled secut in consecutive, where the u stays but the q turns into c.
What are some words with the root sequ?
Start with sequence and sequel. Then move to sequences, consequence, sequencing and subsequently. This page lists 13 words in all, most with a word sum that shows the parts.
Does consequence always mean something bad?
No. A consequence is whatever follows from an action. Studying for a test has a good consequence. The root sequ just means follow.
Related word parts
- con-with, or together
- sub-under, or below
- -ancethe act of, or the state of
- -anta person who does something, or doing
- -ivetending to, or having the quality of
Terms on this page: morpheme, root, prefix, suffix, base word, word sum, morphology.
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