consequence
UK[ˈkɒnsɪkwəns]US[ˈkɑːnsɪkwens]
n
a result or effect of an action, condition, or event.
n
importance or relevance.
Morpheme Breakdown
con
sequ
ence
con
together
sequ
follow
ence
noun suffix
Etymology
the word "consequence" has a clear logical lineage from latin. it is built from the prefix 'con-' (together) and the verb 'sequi' (to follow), combined with the abstract noun-forming suffix '-entia'. the literal sense is "that which follows together with (something else)". this evolved from the physical idea of one event following another to the modern abstract meanings of a resultant effect or outcome, and by extension, the importance of something that logically follows from a premise.
Analysis
Structure: con (together) + sequ (follow) + ence (noun suffix)
- con: from latin, meaning "together, with". a prefix indicating association.
- sequ: from latin root 'sequi', meaning "to follow". a bound root.
- ence: from latin '-entia', a noun-forming suffix denoting a state, quality, or action.
Examples
the company faced serious financial consequences after the failed product launch.
he is a figure of great consequence in the scientific community.
she considered the potential consequences before making her decision.