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

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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