consequence

American  

[kon-si-kwens, -kwuhns] / ˈkɒn sɪˌkwɛns, -kwəns /

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.

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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.

consequence British  

/ 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

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consequence More Idioms  

1. see in consequence; of consequence.

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Related Words

See effect. See importance.

Other Word Forms

• nonconsequence noun
• superconsequence noun

Etymology

Origin of consequence

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

Example Sentences

First, there were the ugly, unintended consequences of social media that left many suspicious of tech’s power.

From The Wall Street Journal

The change could have serious consequences for everyone from workers filing tax returns to students applying to college.

From The Wall Street Journal

She warned there were "people dying as a direct consequence" of the situation and called for immediate action to address the pressure.

From BBC

“His deliberate escalation of intimidation and chaos has consequences,” he wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

For executives and employees, customers and competitors and, yes, shareholders, the consequences here are substantial.

From Barron's

Related Words

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