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

One of the group's founders, consultant anaesthetist Richard Marks, said patients were "being put at risk" as a consequence, something that "strikes to the heart of you" as a doctor.

From BBC

The ICJ considers the claims made by South Africa about possible rights violations constituting genocide to be plausible, and that the consequence of waiting for the ruling could be catastrophic.

From Salon

Yes, he won the White House, but how many Americans of every color lost their homes as a consequence of Wall Street’s mortgage-backed security crime wave that hit Black neighborhoods hardest while the former president looked on.

From Salon

They think poor people are of little consequence.

From Salon

Real diversity should be a consequence of premises and practices that aren’t “of color” at all.

From Salon

Related Words

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