consequence: Meaning and Definition of

con•se•quence

Pronunciation: (kon'si-kwens", -kwuns), [key]
— n.
  1. the effect, result, or outcome of something occurring earlier: The accident was the consequence of reckless driving.
  2. an act or instance of following something as an effect, result, or outcome.
  3. the conclusion reached by a line of reasoning; inference.
  4. importance or significance: a matter of no consequence.
  5. importance in rank or position; distinction: a man of great consequence in art.
  6. consequently; as a result; hence: He withdrew from the world, and in consequence was forgotten.
  7. as a result of; on account of: A trial was held in consequence of the investigation.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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