Reading Theme:
Consequential: Definition, Usage & Key Differences (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：significant and impactful (consequential)
consequential
/ˌkɒnsɪˈkwenʃl/
adj.
important and having major effects.
significant and impactful
➕
/sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt ənd ɪmˈpæktfʊl/
adj.
Describes something that is very important and leads to major effects or outcomes.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'consequi' (to follow after), with prefix 'con-' (together) and suffix '-al' (adjective-forming).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'consequence' – something that follows and is important.
📖 Example
The CEO's consequential decision to adopt eco-friendly policies transformed the company's public image and boosted its sales.
The CEO's significant and impactful decision to adopt eco-friendly policies transformed the company's public image and boosted its sales.
🔗 Collocations
consequential decision – a decision with major effects
consequential impact – significant and far-reaching impact
consequential event – an event of great importance
🔄 Synonyms
significant (adj.) – having considerable importance or effect
important (adj.) – of great significance or value
momentous (adj.) – of great importance or consequence
🚫 Antonyms
insignificant (adj.) – not important or noteworthy
trivial (adj.) – of little value or importance
🌱 Derivatives
consequence (n.) – a result or effect of an action or condition
consequentially (adv.) – in a way that is important or has significant results
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'consequentia', meaning 'a following' or 'result'. First used in English in the 17th century, it now often appears in formal contexts like law and policy to describe outcomes of significant importance.
Meaning 2：directly resulting (consequential)
consequential
/ˌkɒnsɪˈkwenʃl/
adj.
happening as a direct result of something else.
directly resulting
➕
/dɪˈrɛktli rɪˈzʌltɪŋ/
adj.
Describes something that occurs as a direct outcome or effect of a previous event or action.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The record-breaking heatwave led to a consequential surge in electricity demand for air conditioning.
The record-breaking heatwave led to a directly resulting surge in electricity demand for air conditioning.
🔗 Collocations
consequential surge – a surge that directly results from something
consequential damage – damage that is a direct result
consequential effect – an effect that follows from a cause
🔄 Synonyms
resultant (adj.) – occurring as a result
ensuing (adj.) – following immediately after
subsequent (adj.) – coming after something in time
🚫 Antonyms
independent (adj.) – not caused by or connected to something else
unrelated (adj.) – having no connection or cause-effect relationship
🌱 Derivatives
consequence (n.) – a result or effect of an action or condition
consequentially (adv.) – in a way that follows as a result
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser