consequently
UK[ˈkɒnsɪkwəntli]US[ˈkɑːnsɪkwentli]
adv
as a result; therefore.
Morpheme Breakdown
consequent
ly
consequent
following as a result
ly
adverb-forming suffix
Etymology
the word "consequently" is built upon the latin verb 'consequi', meaning "to follow after or closely." this verb itself is a compound of 'com-', intensifying the notion of togetherness, and 'sequi', a prolific proto-indo-european root meaning "to follow." the adjective "consequent" originally described something that logically follows from a premise or cause. by adding the old english adverbial suffix '-ly', the word transforms to describe the manner of an action—specifically, an action or state that follows logically or inevitably from a previous condition. thus, the modern adverb "consequently" encapsulates a chain of logical sequence, moving from a literal sense of physical following to an abstract expression of causal relationship.
Analysis
Structure: consequent (following as a result) + ly (adverb-forming suffix)
consequent: from latin 'consequent-', present participle stem of 'consequi' (to follow closely), from 'com-' (with, together) + 'sequi' (to follow). functions as the adjective base meaning "following as an effect or result."
ly: from old english '-līce', an adverbial suffix forming adverbs from adjectives. indicates the manner or quality of the base word.
Examples
the road was icy; consequently, driving conditions were dangerous.
he failed to submit the report on time and was consequently reprimanded.
the company invested heavily in research and consequently developed a market-leading product.