次第

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 次第 is read as しだい and is a noun meaning either the order or program of an event, or a condition on which an outcome depends.
• Basic usage: An event program appears in 式の次第, while dependence on preparation appears in 準備次第だ.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Two noun uses
  • In an event context it denotes an arranged sequence, while after another noun it means that the result depends on that factor.
• Difference from 順番
  • 順番 is the general order of people or things, whereas the 式の次第 use of 次第 denotes the structure and proceedings of an event.