series
Definitions
A number of similar or related things coming one after another
系列；一系列；一连串
A set of related TV or radio programs with the same characters or theme
（电视/广播）连续剧，系列节目
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin series, 'a row, a chain' — built on serere, 'to join in a row.' A series is simply things linked one after another in sequence, which is the root's original image. The word keeps the same form in singular and plural.
Root sert still carries 10 more wordsUsage Guide
- Singular and plural are identical: 'one series,' 'two series' — never 'serieses.'
- Takes a singular verb when treated as one set: 'A new series is starting tonight.'
- 'a series of' + plural noun is followed by a singular verb: 'A series of tests was carried out.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
The author wrote a popular series of detective novels.
- 2.
A series of small mistakes led to the project's failure.
- 3.
We binge-watched the entire series over the weekend.
Easily Confused
series vs serial — Both come from this 'in a row' idea, but a series is a set of self-contained episodes or items (each can stand alone); a serial is a single story split into parts that must be watched/read in order. A detective who solves a new case each week = a series; a story that ends each week on a cliffhanger = a serial.