Consequential
/ˌkɒnsɪˈkwɛnʃəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsResulting from or following as a consequence; important or significant.
/ˌkɒnsɪˈkwɛnʃəl/
Important; significant; having important effects or results.
The discovery of penicillin was a consequential event in medical history.
💡 Simply: Imagine you drop your ice cream – that's an inconsequential event. But if a big company's mistake leads to layoffs, that's consequential because it really matters and has a big impact on people's lives.
👶 For kids: If something is consequential, it means it's really important and makes a big difference.
More Examples
The changes in the law had consequential effects on businesses.
Her consequential actions led to her promotion.
How It's Used
"The president's decision had consequential effects on the economy."
"Missing the deadline had consequential repercussions for the project's success."
Following as a result or effect; resulting.
/ˌkɒnsɪˈkwɛnʃəl/
The consequential effects of the fire included the destruction of the building.
💡 Simply: If you don't study for a test, a consequential outcome might be a bad grade. It's what happens because of something you did (or didn't do).
👶 For kids: When something is consequential, it means it's the result of something else.
More Examples
The consequential outcome of the negotiations was an agreement to terms.
The consequential actions of the storm caused massive flooding.
How It's Used
"The judge ruled that the damage to the car was a consequential effect of the accident."
"Consequential damage was noted after the earthquake."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
a consequential change
A change that has significant effects or importance.
"The new regulations introduced a consequential change in the industry."
consequential loss
Loss that is not a direct result of the event but is a consequence of it. Often used in legal and insurance contexts.
"The insurance policy covered the consequential loss due to business interruption."
From Middle English, from Latin *consequentia* ('a following, result') + -ial. The Latin word *consequi* means 'to follow after, to result'.
The word gained popularity in the 17th century, used to emphasize the importance or significant outcomes of events or actions.
Memory tip
Think of 'consequences' as the outcome. If something is consequential, it means the outcome is important.
Word Origin
"to follow after; to result"