Imagine you have a row of dominoes. When one falls, the next one falls, and so on. This is like things happening in a serial way – one after another, in order.
Think about a TV show that has many episodes. Each episode comes out one after the other, in a sequence. This is also called a serial show.
So, serial means things that are connected and happen in a line or one by one.
§ What Does "Serial" Mean and When Do People Use It?
The word "serial" is a versatile term in the English language, functioning both as an adjective and a noun. It's classified at a CEFR B1 level, indicating that it's a useful word for intermediate English learners to understand and incorporate into their vocabulary. At its core, "serial" relates to things that are arranged in a series or sequence, or that occur repeatedly in a similar fashion. This fundamental meaning allows it to be applied in a wide array of contexts, from storytelling to criminology, and from computing to everyday observations.
Let's break down its different usages to get a clearer picture.
§ "Serial" as an Adjective
When "serial" is used as an adjective, it modifies a noun to describe its nature or arrangement. It primarily conveys the idea of something happening in a sequence or series, often with a repetitive element.
- DEFINITION
- Relating to, consisting of, or arranged in a series or sequence. It often describes something that happens repeatedly in the same way.
Consider the following common applications:
- In Media and Entertainment: One of the most common uses of "serial" as an adjective is in the context of television shows, radio dramas, or books that are presented in installments. A "serial drama" or "serial podcast" refers to a story that unfolds over multiple episodes, with each episode building upon the previous one. This is in contrast to a "stand-alone" episode or story.
The detective was engrossed in a new serial drama that aired every Sunday evening.
Many popular novels were first published as serial installments in magazines.
- In Criminology: The term "serial killer" is widely recognized. Here, "serial" describes a killer who commits multiple murders over a period of time, often with a distinct pattern or motive, and usually with a cooling-off period between killings. The emphasis is on the repeated nature of the acts.
The police were hunting a serial arsonist who had set fires in three different neighborhoods.
- In Computing and Technology: "Serial port" refers to a type of interface on a computer that sends data one bit at a time, sequentially, over a single line. This is in contrast to a parallel port, which sends multiple bits simultaneously.
Older printers often connected to computers via a serial port.
- In General Usage (Repetitive Actions): More broadly, "serial" can describe any series of repeated actions or events.
He was known for his serial procrastination, always leaving things until the last minute.
§ "Serial" as a Noun
When "serial" functions as a noun, it typically refers to a story or program presented in installments, or a periodical publication.
- DEFINITION
- A story or play appearing in regular installments on television or radio, or in a magazine or newspaper; a periodical publication.
- In Media: This is the most prevalent usage. A "serial" in this context is the complete multi-part story itself.
The radio serial kept listeners on the edge of their seats every week.
She prefers reading a good book to watching a TV serial.
§ Key Takeaways for Using "Serial"
Understanding the core meaning of "series" or "sequence" is crucial to grasping the nuances of "serial." Whether it's describing a repeated action, a continuous story, or a specific type of technological connection, the underlying concept remains the same: things happening or existing in an ordered succession.
When you encounter "serial," ask yourself: Is this referring to something that is part of a sequence? Is it describing something that happens repeatedly? Answering these questions will help you correctly interpret its meaning in various contexts. It's a word that highlights continuity and succession, making it invaluable for describing a range of phenomena in both everyday conversation and specialized fields.
レベル別の例文
This is my favorite serial TV show.
Это моё любимое серийное телешоу.
The police are looking for a serial robber.
Полиция ищет серийного грабителя.
I like to read serial stories in magazines.
Мне нравится читать серийные истории в журналах.
The doctor gave me a serial number for my medicine.
Врач дал мне серийный номер для моего лекарства.
This car has a unique serial number.
У этой машины уникальный серийный номер.
The books are published in a serial order.
Книги издаются в серийном порядке.
We watched a serial drama every night.
Мы смотрели серийную драму каждый вечер.
He collects stamps with serial numbers.
Он собирает марки с серийными номерами.
The detective realized he was dealing with a serial offender, given the identical modus operandi in each crime.
The detective realized he was dealing with a repeat offender, given the identical method of operation in each crime.
Here, 'serial' is used as an adjective modifying 'offender'.
Her latest novel is being released as a serial, with new chapters published online every week.
Her latest novel is being released in installments, with new chapters published online every week.
In this context, 'serial' is used as a noun, referring to a story published in installments.
The manufacturing plant implemented a serial production line to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
The manufacturing plant implemented a consecutive production line to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
'Serial' acts as an adjective describing the type of production line.
He developed a serial addiction to various substances, moving from one to another over the years.
He developed a repeated addiction to various substances, moving from one to another over the years.
Here, 'serial' is an adjective, emphasizing the recurring nature of the addiction.
The television series is a classic example of a serial drama, keeping viewers hooked with its unfolding plot.
The television series is a classic example of an episodic drama, keeping viewers hooked with its unfolding plot.
'Serial' functions as an adjective modifying 'drama'.
The researcher painstakingly recorded a serial catalog of all the artifacts found at the excavation site.
The researcher painstakingly recorded a sequential catalog of all the artifacts found at the excavation site.
As an adjective, 'serial' describes the ordered nature of the catalog.
Despite numerous attempts, they couldn't identify the serial number on the stolen antique, making it harder to track.
Despite numerous attempts, they couldn't identify the unique identification number on the stolen antique, making it harder to track.
'Serial' is part of the compound noun 'serial number', referring to an identifying sequence of digits or letters.
The government launched a serial initiative to address the country's housing crisis, implementing new policies in stages.
The government launched a phased initiative to address the country's housing crisis, implementing new policies in stages.
Here, 'serial' is an adjective indicating that the initiative is being carried out in a sequence of steps.
