[syn: consequence, import, moment]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Consequence \Con"se*quence\, n. [L., consequentia: cf. F.
cons['e]quence. See Consequent.]
1. That which follows something on which it depends; that
which is produced by a cause; a result.
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Shun to taste,
And shun the bitter consequence. --Milton.
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2. (Logic) A proposition collected from the agreement of
other previous propositions; any conclusion which results
from reason or argument; inference.
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3. Chain of causes and effects; consecution.
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Such fatal consequence unites us three. --Milton.
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Link follows link by necessary consequence.
--Coleridge.
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4. Importance with respect to what comes after; power to
influence or produce an effect; value; moment; rank;
distinction.
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It is a matter of small consequence. --Shak.
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A sense of your own worth and consequence. --Cowper.
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In consequence, hence; for this cause.
In consequence of, by reason of; as the effect of.
Syn: Effect; result; end. See Effect.
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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
consequence
n 1: a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous
phenomenon; "the magnetic effect was greater when the rod
was lengthwise"; "his decision had depressing consequences
for business"; "he acted very wise after the event" [syn:
consequence, effect, outcome, result, event,
issue, upshot]
2: the outcome of an event especially as relative to an
individual [syn: consequence, aftermath]
3: having important effects or influence; "decisions of great
consequence are made by the president himself"; "virtue is of
more moment than security"; "that result is of no
consequence" [syn: consequence, import, moment] [ant:
inconsequence]