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

He says the consequence was further delay in dealing with Smyth.

From BBC

"The main consequence is the gap between crime and punishment in the public mind. If you commit a crime, it is far from certain that you are going to be punished," she tells the BBC.

From BBC

Farming unions have said the planned changes will have "disastrous" consequences.

From BBC

However, the current study also takes into account another consequence that is often not given enough attention: The smoke generated during the fires is an important trigger of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

From Science Daily

"It demonstrates the enduring consequences that prenatal cannabis exposure exerts on the brain's reward system, which ultimately results in a neurobiological vulnerability to opioid drugs."

From Science Daily

Related Words

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