consequential

adjective

con·​se·​quen·​tial ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈkwen(t)-shəl How to pronounce consequential (audio)
1
: of the nature of a secondary result : indirect
insurance against consequential loss
2
: consequent
oversupply and the consequential plummeting prices
3
: having significant consequences : important
a grave and consequential event
consequential decisions
4
consequentially adverb
consequentialness noun

Did you know?

Consequential dates from the 17th century and can be traced back to the Latin verb consequi, meaning "to follow along." Consequi, in turn, combines the prefix con-, meaning "through" or "with," and sequi, meaning "to follow." The English words sequel, second, and suitor are among the offspring of sequi. Henry Fielding's 1728 comedy Love in Several Masques introduced the meaning of "important" to consequential, which had until that point been used primarily in the context of results. Evidence for this usage declined temporarily in the 19th century, causing its acceptability to be questioned by such commentators as H. W. Fowler; it resurfaced in the 20th century, however, and is now considered standard.

Examples of consequential in a Sentence

There have been several consequential innovations in their computer software. The change to the schedule is not consequential.
Recent Examples on the Web
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The ‘unknown’ Brandon Bell – Getty Images Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, has captured the president-elect’s interest and placed himself at the center of nearly every consequential decision for the incoming administration. Chloe Berger, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2024 In basketball, any wrong slip is incredibly consequential. Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 22 Nov. 2024 Here are the voices of 14 student voters, many casting ballots for the first time in their lives, who felt this year's election was consequential. Elissa Robinson, Detroit Free Press, 12 Nov. 2024 Related Articles Elias: ‘California Forever’ ballot measure could’ve been hugely influential Elias: California’s Nov. 5 ballot not lacking for consequential issues One thing that’s for sure is Newsom will not have much influence over the race to replace him. Thomas Elias, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for consequential 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin consequentiālis, from Latin consequentia "succession of events, consequence" + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of consequential was in 1626

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Dictionary Entries Near consequential

Cite this Entry

“Consequential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consequential. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

consequential

adjective
con·​se·​quen·​tial ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈkwen-chəl How to pronounce consequential (audio)
1
2
: having important consequences

Legal Definition

consequential

adjective
con·​se·​quen·​tial ˌkän-si-ˈkwen-chəl How to pronounce consequential (audio)
: of the nature of an indirect or secondary result

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