consequence — English Dictionary

Noun

1. An effect; something that follows a cause as a result.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

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   The lobule margins, furthermore, are arched away from the lobe, with the consequence that (when fully inflated) the abaxial leaf surface forms the interior lining of the lobule.

2. An effect; something that follows a cause as a result. An unwanted or unpleasant effect.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   I'm warning you. If you don't get me the report on time, there will be consequences.

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   Nevertheless, it is clear that the global energy demand for air-conditioning will grow substantially as nations become more affluent, with the consequences of climate change potentially accelerating the demand.

3. consecution; chain of causes and effects.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

4. conclusion, deduction or inference; the thing concluded.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

5. Importance, influence, or significance.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   My opinions are of no consequence whatsoever to my parents.

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   Thus young Pen, the only son of an estated country gentleman, with a good allowance, and a gentlemanlike bearing and person, looked to be a lad of much more consequence than he was really; and was held by the Oxbridge authorities, tradesmen, and undergraduates, as quite a young buck and member of the aristocracy.

   Rooney's United team-mate Chris Smalling was given his debut at right-back and was able to adjust to the international stage in relatively relaxed fashion as Bulgaria barely posed a threat of any consequence.

Verb

1. To threaten or punish (a child, etc.) with specific consequences for misbehaviour.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

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   The goal of consequencing is to teach the child a lesson that leads to positive choices and behaviors. The goal of punishment is to inflict pain and seek revenge. Angry parenting is punitive and ineffectual.

   These behaviours are not acceptable within a classroom setting and often result in the child being consequenced or removed from class.

Noun

1. a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

   Synonyms

   effectoutcomeresulteventissueupshot

   Broader terms

   phenomenon

   Examples

   the magnetic effect was greater when the rod was lengthwise

   his decision had depressing consequences for business

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   he acted very wise after the event

2. the outcome of an event especially as relative to an individual

   Synonyms

   aftermath

   Broader terms

   resultresultantfinal resultoutcometermination

3. having important effects or influence

   Synonyms

   importmoment

   Antonyms

   inconsequence

   Broader terms

   significance

   Examples

   decisions of great consequence are made by the president himself

   virtue is of more moment than security

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   that result is of no consequence