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consequence

consequence

100 4.2
How important something is because of its effect
  • noun
  • /ˈkɒnsɪkwəns/
translation icon : importancia
  • That has had health consequences for you and me.
  • of little consequence
  • of great consequence

And if God exists, you know, the consequences are quite significant.

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Examples

  • I have been witness to something - something of consequence to you.

  • And it's totally a thing that is a consequence of having a larger audience.

  • So for everything you do, there are consequences, my dear friends.

  • But you will have to live with the consequences of that choice.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • And those real life consequences affect people in a negative way.

  • Now, one of the consequences of that was a development in my view of religion.

    Academic text (2008)
  • And the consequences, the downstream consequences on your life are profound.

  • The fatigue you're feeling now is a direct consequence of your participation.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • The consequences of your choices can have a lasting impact on your future.

  • We must understand the serious consequences that arise from our decisions.

Synonyms

impact
vsconsequence
3.1

A strong effect on people, places, or things

frames importance as overall significance rather than forceful effect
moment
vsconsequence
  • Formal
807 7.2

Great importance that affects people or events

expresses importance more generally, tied to effects or influence
significance
vsconsequence
194 3.8

How important something is or how much it matters

is more about importance in terms of effect or influence
import
vsconsequence
  • Formal
27 6.8

The meaning or importance of something

focuses on practical effects or influence rather than implied meaning
significant impact
vsconsequence
19 3.3

A large effect that causes an important change

speaks of importance as a quality, not of a single major event

Antonyms

A state of not being important or having little effect

6 5.4

A small detail that does not matter

A state when something has little importance

How Important

gravity
65 6.1
significance
194 3.8
consequence
100 4.2
triviality
6 5.4

Surface Forms

consequence singular
consequences plural

Morphology

consequence = sequence (opaque) = con + sequence

The sense 'importance; significance' is a figurative extension that learners cannot reliably infer from the literal 'that which follows'.

Etymology

Consequence also came to mean 'importance' from the same root sequi ('to follow'), because things that 'follow' from an action can change what happens next, so something 'of consequence' is 'important'.