Ensuing: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Old French 'ensuivre', meaning 'to follow', which indicates something that follows another event.
• Its Latin root 'insequi' also means 'to follow closely', carrying the same essence of sequential events.
• The word has been used in English since the late Middle Ages, first appearing in the 14th century in literary texts.

Literature

• In narratives, 'ensuing' often helps establish cause and effect, linking characters' actions to consequences.
• Classic literature frequently uses 'ensuing' to create suspense, showing what happens after a pivotal moment.
• Many authors emphasize 'ensuing' events to highlight themes of fate, where the consequences unfold from earlier choices.

Science

• In scientific research, 'ensuing' can describe outcomes of experiments, where certain variables lead to specific results.
• The term is commonly used to explain processes in biology, such as how one reaction leads to an ensuing metabolic pathway.
• In environmental studies, researchers discuss ensuing effects of climate changes on ecosystems, showing interconnectivity in nature.

Everyday Usage

• You might hear the term used in news headlines, like 'the ensuing chaos after a major announcement', indicating what followed.
• People often refer to 'ensuing discussions' in meetings, emphasizing the talk that takes place after a main topic is covered.
• 'Ensuing' also appears in legal contexts, where it denotes events or actions that follow a significant legal ruling.

Cultural Reference

• 'Ensuing' is commonly found in film plots that reveal the aftermath of a critical event, building tension during the narrative.
• In music, lyrics may describe ensuing emotions that follow a breakup, highlighting the feelings that develop over time.
• The word can also be used in sports commentary, as analysts discuss the ensuing plays after a strategy change that impacted the game.

At #7,165 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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• 7162 breasts
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