consequence definition

English

Etymology

From Middle English consequence, from Old French consequence ^[1], from Latin consequentia.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈkɒnsɪkwɛns/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈkɑnsɪkwɛns/, /ˈkɑnsɪkwəns/

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Noun

consequence (plural consequences)

1. That which follows something on which it depends; that which is produced by a cause.
   • 1992, Rudolf M[athias] Schuster, The Hepaticae and Anthocerotae of North America: East of the Hundredth Meridian, volume V, New York, N.Y.: Columbia University Press, →ISBN, page 7:

     The lobule margins, furthermore, are arched away from the lobe, with the consequence that (when fully inflated) the abaxial leaf surface forms the interior lining of the lobule.

2. A result of actions, especially if such a result is unwanted or unpleasant.

   I'm warning you. If you don't get me the report on time, there will be consequences.

   • 2013 September-October, Michael Sivak, “Will AC Put a Chill on the Global Energy Supply?”, in American Scientist:

     Nevertheless, it is clear that the global energy demand for air-conditioning will grow substantially as nations become more affluent, with the consequences of climate change potentially accelerating the demand.

3. A proposition collected from the agreement of other previous propositions; any conclusion which results from reason or argument; inference.
4. Chain of causes and effects; consecution.
5. Importance with respect to what comes after.
6. The power to influence or produce an effect.
7. (especially when preceded by "of") Importance, value, or influence.
   • 1848 November – 1850 December​, William Makepeace Thackeray, chapter 19, in The History of Pendennis. […], volume (please specify |volume=I or II), London: Bradbury and Evans, […], OCLC 2057953:

     Thus young Pen, the only son of an estated country gentleman, with a good allowance, and a gentlemanlike bearing and person, looked to be a lad of much more consequence than he was really; and was held by the Oxbridge authorities, tradesmen, and undergraduates, as quite a young buck and member of the aristocracy.

   • 2011 September 2, Phil McNulty, “Bulgaria 0-3 England”, in BBC:

     Rooney's United team-mate Chris Smalling was given his debut at right-back and was able to adjust to the international stage in relatively relaxed fashion as Bulgaria barely posed a threat of any consequence.

Collocations

Synonyms

• aftercome
• distinction
• implication
• moment
• rank
• repercussion
• value

Related terms

Translations

See also

• causality
• effect
• impact

Verb

consequence (third-person singular simple present consequences, present participle consequencing, simple past and past participle consequenced)

1. (transitive) To threaten or punish (a child, etc.) with specific consequences for misbehaviour.
   • 1998, Terry M. Levy, Michael Orlans, Attachment, trauma, and healing

     The goal of consequencing is to teach the child a lesson that leads to positive choices and behaviors. The goal of punishment is to inflict pain and seek revenge. Angry parenting is punitive and ineffectual.

   • 2001, Betty Bedard-Bidwell, Hand in Hand, page 117:

     These behaviours are not acceptable within a classroom setting and often result in the child being consequenced or removed from class.

References

Further reading

• consequence in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• consequence in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• consequence at OneLook Dictionary Search.