c.1380, from O.Fr. consequence "result," from L. consequentia, from consequentem (nom. consequens), prp. of consequi "to follow after," from com- "with" + sequi "to follow" (see sequel). Sense of "importance" (1602) is from notion of being "pregnant with consequences."
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"
2.
the outcome of an event especially as relative to an individual
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" [ant: inconsequence]
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. Shun to taste, And shun the bitter consequence. --Milton. 2. (Logic) A proposition collected from the agreement of other previous propositions; any conclusion which results from reason or argument; inference. 3. Chain of causes and effects; consecution. Such fatal consequence unites us three. --Milton. Link follows link by necessary consequence. --Coleridge. 4. Importance with respect to what comes after; power to influence or produce an effect; value; moment; rank; distinction. It is a matter of small consequence. --Shak. A sense of your own worth and consequence. --Cowper. 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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