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. as a result

Other Word Forms

• nonconsequence noun
• superconsequence 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.

see in consequence; of consequence.

Synonym Study

See effect. See importance.

Example Sentences

The consequences for deliberate damage to a scheduled monument range from fines to a prison sentence.

From BBC

“I can’t imagine what people who don’t regularly follow this, but do want to maintain protection from serious consequences of COVID, are doing.”

From Los Angeles Times

"It's not setting them up for a good start, and it's all a direct consequence of the council making these cuts," he added.

From BBC

Yet the consequences of a distant war in Europe are more than visible.

From BBC

She added there are "potentially serious consequences" for those who are found guilty of an offence under the Terrorism Act.

From BBC

Related Words

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