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Webster 1913 Edition


Consequence

Con′se-quence

,
Noun.
[L.,
consequentia
: cf. F.
conséquence
. See
Consequent
.]
1.
That which follows something on which it depends; that which is produced by a cause; a result.
Shun to taste,
And shun the bitter
consequence
.
Milton.
2.
(Logic)
A proposition collected from the agreement of other previous propositions; any conclusion which results from reason or argument; inference.
3.
Chain of causes and effects; consecution.
Such fatal
consequence
unites us three.
Milton.
Link follows link by necessary
consequence
.
Coleridge.
4.
Importance with respect to what comes after; power to influence or produce an effect; value; moment; rank; distinction.
It is a matter of small
consequence
.
Shakespeare
A sense of your own worth and
consequence
.
Cowper.
Syn. – Effect; result; end. See
Effect
.

Webster 1828 Edition


Consequence

CONSEQUENCE

,
Noun.
[L., to follow. See Seek.]
1.
That which follows from any act, cause, principle, or series of actions. Hence, an event or effect produced by some preceding act or cause.
Shun the bitter consequence; for know, the day thou eatest thereof, thou shalt die.
The consequences of intemperance are disgrace, poverty, disease and premature death.
2.
In logic, a proposition collected from the agreement of other previous propositions; the conclusion which results from reason or argument; inference; deduction.
Every rational being is accountable to his maker; man is a rational being; the consequence then must be, that man is accountable to his maker.
From this train of argument, the consequence is obvious.
3.
Connection of cause and effect; consecution.
I felt that I must after thee, with this my son; such fatal consequence unites us three.
4.
Influence; tendency, as to effects. The sense of consequence, in this use, is modified by the words connected with it; as, it is of little consequence, that is, of little importance, small effects will follow; it is of no consequence, of no moment, no effect of importance will follow; it is of great consequence, of great importance, great effects will follow.
5.
Importance; extensive influence; distinction; as a man of great consequence in society.
In consequence, by means of; as the effect of.

Definition 2024


consequence

consequence

See also: conséquence

English

Noun

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.
  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”, 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.

Usage notes

  • 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.

Synonyms

Related terms

Translations

See also

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.