consequence

con·se·quence

noun \ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌkwen(t)s, -kwən(t)s\

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

4

: the appearance of importance; especially : self-importance

— in consequence

: as a result

Examples of CONSEQUENCE

1. The slightest error can have serious consequences.
2. What were the economic consequences of the war?
3. The decrease in sales was a consequence of some bad publicity about the company.
4. Some say many jobs will be lost as a consequence of the trade agreement.
5. He weighed the consequences of making a career change.
6. The style you choose is of no consequence.

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

Related Words

ramification; denouement (also dénouement), echo, implication, repercussion; afterclap, afterglow, aftershock; blowback, by-product, fallout, offshoot, ripple, side effect (also side reaction), spin-off

Near Antonyms

consideration, determinant, factor; base, basis, foundation, ground, groundwork; impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, stimulus; mother, origin, root, source, spring

See Synonym Discussion at importance

Other Logic Terms

a posteriori, connotation, corollary, inference, mutually exclusive, paradox, postulate, syllogism

Rhymes with CONSEQUENCE

common sense, confidence, evidence, no-nonsense, present tense, recompense, zone defense