consequence Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
    effect; result; upshot; outcome; issue; event.
    • the magnetic effect was greater when the rod was lengthwise
    • his decision had depressing consequences for business
    • he acted very wise after the event
  2. noun the outcome of an event especially as relative to an individual
    aftermath.
  3. noun having important effects or influence
    import; moment.
    • decisions of great consequence are made by the president himself
    • virtue is of more moment than security
    • that result is of no consequence

WordNet

Con"se*quence noun
Etymology
L., consequentia: cf. F. conséquence. See Consequent.
Definitions
  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. Shak.
    A sense of your own worth and consequence. Cowper.
    Syn. -- Effect; result; end. See Effect.

Webster 1913