consequence

EtymologyEdit

From Old French

PronunciationEdit

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈkɒnsɪˌkwɛns/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈkɑnsɪˌkwɛns/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

NounEdit

consequence (plural consequences)

1. That which follows something on which it depends; that which is produced by a cause.
   • 1992, Rudolf M. Schuster, The Hepaticae and Anthocerotae of North America: East of the Hundredth Meridian, volume V, 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?”, 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.
   • 2011 September 2, Phil McNulty, “Bulgaria 0-3 England”, 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.

Usage notesEdit

• Adjectives often applied to "consequence": social, legal, environmental, political, economic, personal, cultural, moral, unintended, undesirable, likely, probable, necessary, logical, natural, important, significant, bad, disastrous, devastating, fatal, catastrophic, harmful.

SynonymsEdit

• value
• moment
• rank
• distinction
• repercussion

Related termsEdit

• consequential

TranslationsEdit

See alsoEdit

• causality
• effect
• impact

VerbEdit

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.

External linksEdit

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