Definition

1. Noun:

   • A smooth, uninterrupted transition from one thing to another: A "segue" is the act of moving seamlessly from one topic, piece of music, or situation to a related one.

2. Verb:

   • To make a smooth, uninterrupted transition: To "segue" means to proceed from one section, idea, or activity to another without a break or pause.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The film used a clever visual segue to move from the past to the present.
  • Her speech contained a perfect segue from the problem to the proposed solution.

• Verb:

  • After discussing the budget, the manager segued into the topic of future projects.
  • The DJ segued from the slow song into an upbeat dance track.

Advanced Usage

• Used as a directive: In scripts or instructions, "segue" can be used to indicate a transition should occur.
  • [SEGUE TO SCENE IN THE OFFICE]
• Implied connection: A good segue often implies a logical or thematic connection between the two elements.
  • He used the question about climate change as a segue to talk about renewable energy policies.

Variants and Related Words

• Segued (verb, past tense): The past tense and past participle form of the verb "segue".
  • She segued expertly between the two complex topics.
• Segueing (verb, present participle): The present participle form.
  • He is a master at segueing between different musical genres.

Synonyms

• Transition (n/v): A change from one state or subject to another.
• Shift (n/v): A slight change in position, direction, or tendency.
• Bridge (n): Something that connects or provides a transition.

Related Phrases

• Smooth segue: Emphasizes the seamless quality of the transition.
  • The moderator provided a smooth segue to the next speaker.
• Natural segue: A transition that feels logical and unforced.
  • The anecdote served as a natural segue into his main argument.

Notes on Meaning

• The word "segue" originates from the Italian for "it follows" and is pronounced /ˈsɛɡweɪ/. It is most commonly used in the contexts of conversation, presentation, and music to describe a fluid, connected change rather than an abrupt stop and start.

Noun

1. the act of changing smoothly from one state or situation to another

Verb

1. proceed without interruption; in music or talk
   • He segued into another discourse