ensuing
UK[ɪnˈsjuːɪŋ]US[ɪnˈsuːɪŋ]
adj
Happening after something and as a result of it.
Morpheme Breakdown
en
sue
ing
en
in
sue
follow
ing
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word "ensuing" traces its lineage to the Latin verb sequi, meaning "to follow," which itself descends from the Proto-Indo-European root sekw-, carrying the same sense. This root entered English via the Old French verb ensivre or ensuivre, meaning "to follow after." The English form was built by adding the Latin-derived prefix "en-" (in) to the core "sue" (follow), creating the verb "ensue," which literally means "to follow in or upon." The present participle "-ing" then transforms the action into an adjective, describing something that follows logically and chronologically from a prior event.
Analysis
Structure: en (in) + sue (follow) + ing (adjective suffix)
- en: A prefix of Latin origin (via Old French), meaning "in, into, on."
- sue: A root from the Latin verb sequi, meaning "to follow," preserved in the English spelling of "sue" and "pursue."
- ing: A suffix of Old English origin, used to form present participles and adjectives from verbs.
Examples
The agreement was reached after lengthy negotiations and the ensuing peace was fragile.
In the ensuing chaos, several important documents were lost.
He missed the warning sign, with the ensuing accident causing significant damage.