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. in consequence
   as a result

Other Words From

• non·conse·quence noun
• super·conse·quence 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.

More idioms and phrases containing consequence

see in consequence ; of consequence .

Synonym Study

See effect. See importance.

Example Sentences

And it can have real consequences, the authors found.

From Science Daily

Because the letters weren’t official subpoenas, it wasn’t clear whether deputies would actually face any consequences for ignoring them.

From Los Angeles Times

He said: "I still write protest songs. I think consequences have been coming for a long time for some our more self-centred politicians. I still have so much to say."

From BBC

“Of course there was enormous pressure, and of course, it has consequences,” he said.

From BBC

As a consequence, the redox equilibrium of the tumor cell is disturbed, leading to an increase in oxidative stress, which kills the tumor cell.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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