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Consequential Meaning: Definition and Examples

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consequential

[ˌkɒn.sɪˈkwen.ʃəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

significant effects

Consequential refers to something that has significant consequences or effects. It can describe actions, decisions, or events that lead to important outcomes, often implying that they have a lasting impact.

Synonyms

important, outcome-related, resultant, significant.

Examples of usage

  • The consequential decisions made by the leaders shaped the country's future.
  • Her consequential actions during the crisis earned her a promotion.
  • The team faced consequential challenges that tested their resilience.
Context #2 | Adjective

logical result

Consequential can also mean something that logically follows from a particular condition or action. It often indicates a necessary or inevitable outcome derived from previous events.

Synonyms

derivative, ensuing, following, subsequent.

Examples of usage

  • The ensuing chaos was a consequential result of the poor planning.
  • His comments were consequential to the main argument presented.
  • The changes made to the policy had several consequential effects on the community.

Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal contexts, 'consequential' often refers to damages that result from a particular act or breach of contract.
  • Understanding consequential damages is crucial in legal cases, as these costs must be predictable and direct.
  • Courts often distinguish between direct and consequential damages when awarding compensation.

Psychology

  • The concept plays a key role in behavioral psychology, where actions are understood through their consequences.
  • Cognitive theories suggest that predicting outcomes is a critical part of decision-making processes.
  • The way individuals perceive the consequences of their actions can deeply influence their motivations and behaviors.

History

  • Many historical events are deemed consequential, such as wars that led to major societal changes.
  • The outcomes of international treaties are often labeled as consequential for the nations involved.
  • Historians often analyze decisions made during pivotal moments in time based on their consequential impact on future events.

Education

  • In educational settings, understanding the consequential nature of choices helps students learn responsibility.
  • Consequential thinking is emphasized in critical thinking curricula, fostering deeper decision-making skills.
  • Teachers encourage students to consider the long-term outcomes of their actions for better life skills.

Origin of 'consequential'

Main points about word origin

  • The word stems from the Latin 'consequi,' which means 'to follow after.' It highlights the idea of following outcomes.
  • It appeared in English around the 14th century, reflecting its long-standing use to discuss outcomes and results.
  • The term evolved through Old French, showing how languages borrow and transform words over time.

The word 'consequential' originates from the Latin word 'consequentia', which means 'to follow closely'. It is derived from 'consequi', meaning 'to follow'. The term began to appear in English in the late 18th century, often relating to events or actions that have significant outcomes or implications. This history emphasizes the notion that certain actions lead to abide consequences, highlighting the interplay between cause and effect in various contexts. Over time, 'consequential' has been widely adopted in legal, philosophical, and everyday discussions to convey the importance and impact of decisions and events. It underlines a critical understanding of how our actions reverberate through different scenarios and influences various outcomes in personal and social realms.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,580, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.