consequence

[kon-si-kwens, -kwuhns]

noun

1. the effect, result, or outcome of something occurring earlier.

   The accident was the consequence of reckless driving.

   Synonyms: sequel, upshot, issue, outcome
   Antonyms: cause

2. an act or instance of following something as an effect, result, or outcome.

3. the conclusion reached by a line of reasoning; inference.

4. importance or significance.

   a matter of no consequence.

   Synonyms: weight, moment

5. importance in rank or position; distinction.

   a man of great consequence in art.

consequence

/ ˈkɒnsɪkwəns /

noun

1. a result or effect of some previous occurrence

2. an unpleasant result (esp in the phrase take the consequences )

3. significance or importance

   it's of no consequence

   a man of consequence

4. logic

   1. a conclusion reached by reasoning

   2. the conclusion of an argument

   3. the relations between the conclusion and the premises of a valid argument

5. the relation between an effect and its cause

6. as a result

Other Word Forms

• nonconsequence noun
• superconsequence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of consequence¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English (from Anglo-French ), from Latin consequentia. See consequent, -ence

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in consequence of, as a result of; on account of.

   A trial was held in consequence of the investigation.

2. in consequence, consequently; as a result; hence.

   He withdrew from the world, and in consequence was forgotten.

see in consequence; of consequence.

Synonym Study

See effect. See importance.

Example Sentences

False 911 reports can spark fear, panic and trigger a large police response that can have deadly consequences.

From Los Angeles Times

It reportedly said this was "a direct consequence of the minister's decision".

From BBC

"We don't want to see people laid off. But unfortunately, if this shutdown continues, layoffs are going to be an unfortunate consequence of that," she said.

From BBC

"When these pipes get blocked, we can't simply switch off the sewage. It backs up and must come out somewhere, whether that's roads, rivers or even people's homes. The consequences can be devastating."

From BBC

“We don’t want to see people laid off, but unfortunately, if this shutdown continues layoffs are going to be an unfortunate consequence of that,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Levitt said during a news briefing.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aftereffect 
• aftermath 
• effect 
• fallout 
• issue 
• reaction 
• repercussion