consequence

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noun con·se·quence \ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌkwen(t)s, -kwən(t)s\

Simple Definition of consequence

: something that happens as a result of a particular action or set of conditions
: importance or value

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

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
4 : the appearance of importance; especially : self-importance

in consequence

: as a result

See consequence defined for English-language learners

See consequence defined for kids

Examples of consequence in a sentence

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

14th Century

First Known Use of consequence

14th century

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

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

CONSEQUENCE Defined for Kids

consequence

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noun con·se·quence \ˈkän-sə-ˌkwens\

Definition of consequence for Students

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.