From Latin consequentia ('logical sequence, succession of events'), from consequi ('to follow closely'), combining con- ('together') and sequi ('to follow'). Entered Middle English c. 1400 via Old French consequence, originally in the logical sense of a conclusion following from premises. The sense of 'importance' developed from the idea that things which follow from other things are the ones that matter.
What does consequence mean?
Consequence has three senses: a result or outcome ('one consequence of the merger was job cuts'), a negative penalty ('face the consequences'), and — in formal use — importance ('of no consequence' means 'it doesn't matter').
What is the difference between consequence and result?
Both mean something that follows from a cause, but consequence often implies the outcome is significant, lasting, or deserved. Result is more neutral and factual. 'The result of the experiment' is neutral; 'the consequences of the experiment' suggests the outcomes matter.
What does 'of no consequence' mean?
'Of no consequence' means 'not important' or 'it doesn't matter'. This is the formal sense of consequence meaning importance or significance, not the result sense.
What is the origin of the word consequence?
Consequence comes from Latin consequentia, from consequi meaning 'to follow closely', combining con- (together) and sequi (to follow). It entered English c. 1400 via French, originally in the logical sense of a conclusion following from premises.
What is the plural of consequence?
The plural is consequences. It is most commonly used in the plural: 'think about the consequences', 'face the consequences'.