Consequences Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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consequences
[ˈkɒnsɪkwənsɪz ]
Definitions
of a decision
Consequences are the results or effects of a particular action or situation. It can be positive or negative.
Synonyms
effects, outcomes, ramifications, results.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| consequences |
Use this when referring to the outcomes of actions or events, especially when they are negative or serious.
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| results |
Use this in general or neutral contexts to indicate the outcomes or findings of various activities, especially in scientific or academic settings.
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| effects |
This word is best for describing changes or impacts caused by an action, event, or condition, which can be either positive or negative.
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| outcomes |
This word is often used in formal or academic contexts to refer to the results of processes, experiments, or studies.
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| ramifications |
This term is used when talking about the complex or unforeseen results of a decision, often with a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The consequences of his actions will be severe.
- She had to face the consequences of her decisions.
- The consequences of global warming are becoming more apparent.
- The consequences of your choices are yours alone.
- The consequences of the war affected everyone in the country.
of a law or rule
Consequences are the punishments or rewards that follow if a law or rule is broken or obeyed.
Synonyms
penalties, punishments, rewards, sanctions.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| consequences |
Used in a general sense to describe outcomes or results of an action, which can be either positive or negative.
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| punishments |
Usually refers to something negative given in response to bad behavior or breaking rules. Often used in contexts involving discipline, schools, or parenting.
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| rewards |
Used to describe positive outcomes or benefits given in recognition of good behavior or achievements.
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| penalties |
Typically used in formal or legal settings to describe punishments imposed for breaking laws or rules.
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| sanctions |
Often used in political or legal settings to describe official actions taken to enforce obedience to laws or rules, typically involving penalties or restrictions.
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Examples of usage
- The consequences for breaking the law are severe.
- The consequences of following the rules are beneficial.
- There are consequences for not abiding by the regulations.
- The consequences of violating the policy are clear.
- The consequences of the contract must be understood before signing.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Psychologists study consequences to understand how behavior influences future actions and decisions.
- Positive consequences can encourage repeat behaviors, while negative ones often serve as a deterrent.
Education
- In schools, teaching about consequences helps children learn accountability for their choices.
- Role-playing exercises allow students to explore different outcomes based on their decisions.
Legal
- In law, consequences are vital in determining the severity of a crime or the responsibilities of a contract.
- Judges often consider the consequences of actions when sentencing or allocating damages.
Pop Culture
- Books and movies frequently explore themes of consequences, showing how characters deal with their choices.
- Popular narratives, like 'A Series of Unfortunate Events', highlight the impact of decisions on characters' lives.
Origin of 'consequences'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'consequentia', meaning 'following after', indicating how one thing relates to another.
- In medieval times, it referred to the idea of logical results arising from premises in philosophy and science.
The word 'consequences' originated from the Latin word 'consequentia', which means 'a following after'. It first appeared in the English language in the 14th century. The concept of consequences has been a fundamental part of human decision-making and moral philosophy throughout history. Understanding the potential consequences of our actions is essential for responsible behavior and ethical decision-making.
See also: consequentialism, consequently, inconsequentially.