What is a sequel? Unveiling the meaning and the Ukrainian equivalent of this popular term.
The first film with the number "2" in the title — "Quatermass 2" — was released back in 1957. However, the very concept of "sequel" as a distinct genre term truly entered common usage only at the turn of the 1970s and 80s, when numbered continuations of "Ro...
The first film with the number "2" in the title — "Quatermass 2" — was released back in 1957. However, the very concept of "sequel" as a distinct genre term truly entered common usage only at the turn of the 1970s and 80s, when numbered continuations of "Rocky" and "Superman" appeared one after another. Before that, cinema also had sequels — it just didn't have a separate word for it yet.
Quatermass 2 (1957)
What is a sequel?
Sequel — a work of art (film, book, game) that continues the plot of the previous work: the same characters, the same world, the next stage of the story. It is usually marked by a sequential number in the title.
What does the word "sequel" mean in simple terms?
In simple terms: sequel = continuation. If the first film ended, and the story of the same characters continues in a new film — that is a sequel.
Where does the word "sequel" come from?
The word comes from the English sequel, which in turn comes from the Latin sequor — "I follow, I continue". The same root also gave rise to other familiar words — for example, "sequence" and "consequential".
Sequel, prequel, spin-off, reboot — what’s the difference?
These terms are often confused, although the difference is clear:
Sequel — a continuation that takes place AFTER the events of the original.
Prequel — a story that shows events BEFORE the original (for example, how the characters became who we know them to be).
Spin-off — a separate story in the same world, but about a different character or plot line, not a direct continuation.
Reboot — not a continuation, but a new version of the same story from scratch, often with different actors and a different approach.
Remake — a re-version of the same film, as close as possible to the original plot.
Is there a Ukrainian word for "sequel"?
Yes, and it is quite natural: continuation. According to a poll on the "Slovotvir" platform, this is the most popular alternative. In everyday language, "continuation of the film" sounds completely normal and understandable without any borrowing. "Sequel" remains appropriate only as a narrow-term word in film criticism, where it is important to briefly name the genre category — but in ordinary conversation, the Ukrainian "continuation" works just as well.
Examples of usage
“This is already the third sequel, and the character's story is still not boring.”
“I’m waiting for the continuation of this film — the plot ended at the most interesting part.”
“Unlike the prequel, this sequel shows what happened to the characters 10 years later.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a sequel differ from a prequel?
A sequel shows events AFTER the original, a prequel — BEFORE it.
Is a sequel and a continuation the same thing?
Practically yes. "Sequel" is a narrower, genre term (mainly about films, books, games), while "continuation" is a general Ukrainian word with the same meaning.
Where did the word "sequel" come from?
From the Latin sequor — "I follow". The same root is also found in the word "sequence".
Can any second part be called a sequel?
Mostly yes, if the second part continues the plot and retains the same characters. However, if it is just a new story in the same world — that is closer to a spin-off, not a sequel.
Inside is non-public information obtained from a person who has access to it "from within" a certain company, organization, team, or other environment. It usually refers to info...
