consequential

Pronunciation: kon-suh-KWEN-shul

adjective

Difficulty: intermediate

Definition of consequential

consequential (adjective): Following as a result or outcome, often implying significant importance or far-reaching effects.

Example: The new legislation is consequential, as it will fundamentally reshape the country's economic policies.

Best for: intermediate-difficulty vocabulary; learners who already know "significant" or "important"; GRE Verbal (Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence); SAT Reading & Writing (Words in Context).

Origin of consequential

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: consequi

Original meaning: to follow

How it evolved: Initially used to describe events that logically follow another, the term gained a nuanced meaning to emphasize importance and impact.

Derived from the Latin word 'consequi,' meaning 'to follow,' the term evolved to signify outcomes with importance.

First known use: 17th century

How to Remember consequential

Think of 'consequential' as a word associated with 'consequences'—when something is consequential, it has important consequences!

Synonyms for consequential

Antonyms of consequential

consequential in a Sentence

  1. The new legislation is consequential, as it will fundamentally reshape the country's economic policies.
  2. Her consequential decision to pursue higher education opened doors to countless opportunities in her career.
  3. The scientist's groundbreaking discovery was consequential for the field of renewable energy.

consequential in Literature & Culture

In literature and speeches, 'consequential' is often used to underscore the gravity of events or decisions, such as in discussions of historical turning points or moral dilemmas.

Usage Notes

Though 'consequential' primarily refers to importance, it can also describe something that logically follows an event or action. Be mindful not to confuse it with 'sequential,' which strictly refers to order or sequence.

Why consequential Matters for GRE & SAT

This word frequently appears in analytical writing and reading comprehension passages, often describing key ideas, events, or decisions with significant impact.

Word Family

consequence (noun)
A result or effect of an action or condition.
inconsequential (adjective)
Not significant or important.
sequential (adjective)
Occurring in order or sequence.

Did You Know?

  • The word 'consequential' is often used in legal and academic contexts to describe actions or rulings with far-reaching implications.
  • Famous writer Jane Austen frequently used 'consequential' in her novels to describe socially significant events or characters.
  • It has a subtle connotation of prestige, as consequential decisions are often associated with authority or responsibility.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with C

  • cacophonous — extremely noisy; grating
  • cacophonous — extremely noisy; grating
  • cajole — persuade through flattery or gentle urging
  • cajole — persuade through flattery or gentle urging
  • callous — emotionally unfeeling or insensitive
  • callous — emotionally unfeeling or insensitive
  • callow — young and inexperienced; immature
  • callow — young and inexperienced; immature
  • calumny — slander and defamation
  • calumny — slander and defamation