BharatNotes Succession
nounUsage in a UPSC answer
A constitutionally settled line of succession, far from being a relic of monarchical antiquity, remains indispensable to stable governance, for it insulates the transfer of power from the destabilising contest of ambition and ensures institutional continuity across generations.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
succeed (v), successor (n), successive (adj), successively (adv), successional (adj)
Root
Latin sub-/suc- = close after + cedere = to go; successio = a following after, coming into place
Etymology
From Old French succession, from Latin successio ("a following after, a coming into another's place"), from succedere ("to come close after"), combining sub- ("close to") and cedere ("to go"); first attested in English c. 1275–1325.
Memory Hook
Think 'succeed' + '-ion': those who succeed do so one after another — a SUCCESSion is a line of successors following in order. Root sub-cedere = 'to go (cedere) close after (sub)', i.e. to come right behind the one before.
Seen in UPSC Question Papers
- Prelims 2017 — Ecology
- Prelims 2013 — Ecology
Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Succession” — proof this word earns its place on your list.
Tip: press Alt+S to hear pronunciation
