Dictionary
consequence
noun con·se·quence \ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌkwen(t)s, -kwən(t)s\
: something that happens as a result of a particular action or set of conditions
: importance or value
Full Definition of CONSEQUENCE
1
: a conclusion derived through logic : inference
2
: something produced by a cause or necessarily following from a set of conditions <the economic consequences of the war>
3
a : importance with respect to power to produce an effect <a mistake of no consequence> b : social importance
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First Known Use of CONSEQUENCE
14th century
Related to CONSEQUENCE
- Synonyms
- aftereffect, aftermath, backwash, child, conclusion, effect, corollary, development, fate, fruit, issue, outcome, outgrowth, precipitate, product, result, resultant, sequel, sequence, upshot
- Antonyms
- antecedent, causation, cause, occasion, reason
Synonym Discussion of CONSEQUENCE
importance, consequence, moment, weight, significance mean a quality or aspect having great worth or significance. importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone <a region with no cities of importance>. consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects <the style you choose is of little consequence>. moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence <a decision of great moment>. weight implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something <the argument carried no weight with the judge>. significance implies a quality or character that should mark a thing as important but that is not self-evident and may or may not be recognized <the treaty's significance>.
Other Logic Terms
Rhymes with CONSEQUENCE
CONSEQUENCE Defined for Kids
consequence
noun con·se·quence \ˈkän-sə-ˌkwens\
Definition of CONSEQUENCE for Kids
1
: something produced by a cause or following from a condition <Her fear of stairs is a consequence of her fall.>
2
: real importance <His promotion is of no consequence to me.>
Word Root of CONSEQUENCE
The Latin word sequī, meaning “to follow,” and its form secutus give us the roots sequ and sec. Words from the Latin sequī have something to do with following. Something second follows what came first. A sequel is a book or movie that follows another and continues the story. A sequence is the order in which one thing follows another. A consequence is a result that follows from a condition or action.
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