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

"And I was just all the time thinking, this is Aaron's fault, there needs to be some consequences."

From BBC

She wrote that although the operation had “profound and even heartbreaking consequences” on the Twin Cities, she didn’t have the authority to halt it at this early stage of litigation.

From The Wall Street Journal

This shift has important consequences for how electrochemical systems operate and how they should be designed.

From Science Daily

"Politicians need to think about the people. Actions have consequences."

From BBC

“We’re grateful to the jury for making sure justice was served today, sending a clear message that stealing trade secrets has serious consequences.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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