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Consequential: meaning, definitions and examples

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consequential

 

[ ˌkɒn.sɪˈkwen.ʃəl ]

Adjective
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.

Etymology

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.