Repercussions Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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repercussions

[หŒriห.pษ™หˆkสŒสƒ.ษ™nz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

of consequences

Repercussions refer to the unintended consequences or results of an action, decision, or event. These consequences can be far-reaching and have a significant impact on various aspects of life.

Synonyms

consequences, effects, impact, ramifications.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
repercussions

Used to describe unintended or indirect effects, often long-term and negative. Suitable for complex situations.

  • The repercussions of the scandal affected the company for years.
  • His decision to drop out of school had serious repercussions on his future.
consequences

Appropriate for describing the direct result of an action. Can be either positive or negative.

  • The consequences of filing taxes late can include fines and penalties.
  • They were happy with the consequences of their hard work.
effects

Utilized for general outcomes caused by an event, action, or phenomenon. Neutral connotation.

  • The effects of the new policy were immediately noticeable.
  • Long-term effects of the medication are still unknown.
impact

Best used when describing a significant or powerful influence or effect. Can be positive or negative.

  • Her speech had a profound impact on the audience.
  • The impact of the new law will be seen in the coming months.
ramifications

Suitable for describing complex or unexpected consequences, often negative. Generally used in formal contexts.

  • They did not fully understand the ramifications of their decision until it was too late.
  • The policy changes have far-reaching ramifications for the entire industry.

Examples of usage

  • The repercussions of the economic crisis were felt globally.
  • She was not prepared for the repercussions of her actions.
  • The decision had serious repercussions for the company.
  • The repercussions of the pandemic are still being felt.
  • The scandal had far-reaching repercussions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often underestimate the repercussions of their decisions, a phenomenon known as the 'normalcy bias'.
  • Emotional repercussions can lead to behaviors like anxiety or guilt, impacting mental health significantly.

Literature

  • Many classic novels explore the theme of repercussions, showing characters facing the outcomes of their earlier choices.
  • Shakespeareโ€™s works often illustrate how actions lead to serious repercussions, highlighting moral lessons.

Science

  • In environmental science, human actions can have far-reaching repercussions, impacting ecosystems and biodiversity.
  • In chemistry, reactions can have immediate and delayed repercussions, influencing future experimental outcomes.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters often face repercussions for their mistakes, a common plot device for character development.
  • Television shows frequently depict the repercussions of social media actions, emphasizing the impact of digital footprints.

Origin of 'repercussions'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'repercutere', meaning to strike back or to reflect.
  • It first appeared in English in the early 1600s, initially used in a physical sense before evolving to describe consequences.

The word 'repercussions' originated from the Latin word 'repercussio', which means 'repeated striking'. The term evolved to refer to the consequences or effects of an action. Over time, it became widely used in English to describe the unintended outcomes of decisions, events, or actions. The concept of repercussions has been a central theme in various fields, including politics, economics, and social sciences, highlighting the interconnectedness of actions and their consequences.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,157, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.