Reading Theme:
Consequence: Meaning, Examples, and Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：result or effect (consequence)
consequence
/ˈkɑːnsɪkwens/
n.
Something that happens as a result of a particular action or situation.
result or effect
➕
/rɪˈzʌlt ɔːr ɪˈfɛkt/
n.
An event or situation that is the direct result of a previous action or condition.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'consequi' (to follow after): 'con-' (with) + 'sequi' (follow).
💡 Mnemonic
Consequence = 'con' (with) + 'sequence' → something that follows along with an action.
📖 Example
If you don't study for the test, the natural consequence will be a low score.
If you do not study for the test, the natural result will be a low score.
🔗 Collocations
face the consequences – to accept the negative results of one's actions
logical consequence – a result that follows naturally from a premise
unintended consequences – results that were not foreseen or planned
🔄 Synonyms
outcome (n.) – a final result or effect
result (n.) – something that happens because of something else
repercussion (n.) – an indirect and usually negative consequence of an action
🚫 Antonyms
cause (n.) – something that brings about a result
source (n.) – the origin of something
antecedent (n.) – something that comes before and may cause something else
🌱 Derivatives
consequent (adj.) – following as a result
consequently (adv.) – as a result
consequential (adj.) – important or significant
📖 Cultural Story
Origin in Latin 'consequentia', used in logic and philosophy to denote causal relations. Aristotle's syllogisms rely on this concept.
Meaning 2：importance or significance (consequence)
consequence
/ˈkɑːnsɪkwens/
n.
Importance or significance, especially of a person or their position.
importance or significance
➕
/ɪmˈpɔːrtəns ɔːr sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəns/
n.
The quality of being important or having a significant impact, especially in terms of status or authority.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The new policy is of great consequence to all employees in the company.
The new policy is of great importance to all employees in the company.
🔗 Collocations
of great consequence – very important or significant
matter of consequence – an issue that has significant impact
little consequence – not very important
🔄 Synonyms
importance (n.) – the state of being significant
significance (n.) – the quality of being worthy of attention
weight (n.) – importance or influence
🚫 Antonyms
insignificance (n.) – lack of importance
triviality (n.) – lack of seriousness or importance
unimportance (n.) – lack of importance
🌱 Derivatives
consequent (adj.) – following as a result
consequently (adv.) – as a result
consequential (adj.) – important or significant
Wordbook
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