We introduce a new class of the so-called regularly varying sequences with respect to and state its properties. This class, on one hand, generalizes regularly varying sequences. On the other hand, it refines them and makes it possible to do a more sophisticated analysis in applications. We show a close connection with regular variation on time scales; thanks to this relation, we can use the existing theory on time scales to develop discrete regular variation with respect to . We reveal also a connection with generalized regularly varying functions.As an application, we study asymptotic behavior of solutions to linear difference equations; we obtain generalization and extension of known results. The theory also yields, in some way, a new view on the tests for convergence and divergence of series; we establish the statement that generalizes Raabe test and Bertrand test. KEYWORDS asymptotic behavior, difference equation, Karamata theorem, regularly varying sequence, time scale, Raabe testwill be presented in Section 3. We also indicate directions for further research. Note that (1) can be written as the three-term recurrence relation a(k)y(k + 2) + b(k)y(k + 1) + c(k)y(k) = 0 (and vice versa). In Section 4, we show how Math Meth Appl Sci. 2019;42:6009-6020.wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/mma