consequence
consequence
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "consequence" is /ˈkɒnsɪkwəns/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
ˈkɒn:
/k/: Voiceless velar stop
/ɒ/: Open back rounded vowel (as in "lot")
/n/: Alveolar nasal
sɪ:
/s/: Voiceless alveolar fricative
/ɪ/: Near-close near-front unrounded vowel (as in "kit")
kwəns:
/k/: Voiceless velar stop
/w/: Voiced labial-velar approximant
/ə/: Schwa (mid-central vowel)
/n/: Alveolar nasal
/s/: Voiceless alveolar fricative
Word Form Variations
Consequence" is primarily a noun. It has related forms across different parts of speech.
Noun Forms:
Singular: consequence (e.g., "Every action has a consequence.")
Plural: consequences (e.g., "The long-term consequences were severe.")
Related Forms:
Adjective: consequent (e.g., "The drought and consequent famine.")
Adjective: consequential (e.g., "This was a highly consequential decision.")
Adverb: consequently (e.g., "He failed the exam; consequently, he lost his scholarship.")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun Definitions
A result or effect of an action or condition.
Synonyms: Result, outcome, upshot, effect, repercussion, aftermath, ramification
Antonyms: Cause, origin, source, antecedent
Importance or relevance.
Synonyms: Importance, significance, moment, magnitude, import, weight
Antonyms: Insignificance, unimportance, triviality, irrelevance
(Often in plural) Punishment inflicted as a result of an action.
Synonyms: Punishment, penalty, retribution, repercussions, comeuppance
Antonyms: Reward, benefit, grace, pardon
Examples of Use
Books
"Every choice has a consequence." (Common theme in philosophical novels or self-help literature)
"The long-term consequences of the war reshaped the entire continent for generations." (Often found in historical non-fiction or historical fiction)
Newspapers and Online Publications
"The economic consequences of rising interest rates are beginning to be felt by consumers." (Reuters)
"Ignoring climate change will lead to dire consequences for future generations." (The Guardian)
"There were immediate legal consequences for violating the data privacy regulations." (TechCrunch)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Film: In Avengers: Endgame (2019), much of the plot explores the grave consequences of Thanos's actions.
Television: "Your actions today will have serious consequences for your future in this organization." (A common line in dramas or reality shows involving repercussions)
Music: Many songs discuss the consequences of love, loss, or personal choices.
Video Games: Narrative-driven video games often feature branching storylines where player choices lead to different, sometimes unforeseen, consequences.
General Public Discourse
"Think about the consequences before you act impulsively." (Common advice given to children or when making important decisions)
"The lack of rain has had severe consequences for our crops." (Discussing environmental impacts)
"He faced the consequences of his reckless driving." (Referring to penalties or repercussions)
"This decision is of no great consequence in the grand scheme of things." (Downplaying the importance of a matter)
10 Quotes Using Consequence
"In nature there are neither rewards nor punishments; there are consequences." (Robert Green Ingersoll)
"While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions." (Stephen R. Covey)
"Every action has a consequence." (Richard Eyre)
"Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying the basic fundamentals." (Jim Rohn)
"When anger rises, think of the consequences." (Confucius)
"It is easy to dodge our responsibilities, but we cannot dodge the consequences of dodging our responsibilities." (Josiah Stamp)
"Sometimes when I consider what tremendous consequences come from little things, I am tempted to think there are no little things." (Bruce Barton)
"Happiness is not a reward - it is a consequence. Suffering is not a punishment - it is a result." (Robert Green Ingersoll)
"There are downsides to everything; there are unintended consequences to everything." (Steve Jobs)
"Nobody ever did, or ever will, escape the consequences of his choices." (Alfred A. Montapert)
Etymology
The word "consequence" comes from the Latin verb "sequi," meaning "to follow," combined with the prefix "con-" (meaning "with" or "together"). So, the root Latin verb "consequi" meant "to follow with" or "to follow closely."
At its core, "consequence" is about what naturally follows or results from an action or event.
The first known use of "consequence" in English, appearing around the late 14th century, referred to a result or effect that logically followed from a preceding action or cause. This original meaning of a direct outcome is still central to the word today, though it also gained the sense of "importance" later on.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Consequence
As a consequence: As a result; therefore.
Example: "He failed his exams; as a consequence, he lost his scholarship."
Take the consequences: To accept the results of one's actions, especially negative ones.
Example: "You made your bed, now you must take the consequences."
Serious/Grave consequences: Important and often negative outcomes.
Example: "Ignoring the warning signs could lead to grave consequences."
Of no consequence: Of no importance.
Example: "Whether he comes or not is of no consequence to the plan."
Consequences be damned: An emphatic statement meaning one doesn't care about the negative results.
Example: "She plunged ahead, consequences be damned."
Reap what one sows: (An idiom meaning to experience the results of one's past actions, often negative).
Example: "After years of neglecting his health, he's now reaping what he sowed."
The ripple effect: (Meaning a spreading, often unintended, impact of an event or action).
Example: "His resignation created a ripple effect throughout the entire department."
Pay the piper: (An idiom meaning to face the unpleasant results of one's actions).
Example: "Eventually, everyone has to pay the piper for their excesses."
Outcome of events: (A more formal synonym for the result or consequence of a situation).
Example: "We are awaiting the outcome of events before making our next move."
Domino effect: (An idiom describing a situation where one event causes a series of other similar events to happen).
Example: "One small error can trigger a domino effect of problems."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of consequence from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
