English Reference
adjective · noun

consequent

adj. · n.
US /ˈkɑnsəkwənt/ UK /kˈɒnsɪkwənt/ con·se·quent UK spelling consequents

  1. 01 C1 Advanced AcademicFormal

    adj.happening as a direct result of something that occurred before.

    adj.following as a logical or natural effect; resulting from a specific cause.

    Simple

    The heavy rain and the consequent flooding caused many people to leave their homes.

    In context

    The sudden collapse of the bank and the consequent panic in the markets led to a decade of economic stagnation.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it modifies.

    antecedentpreceding
  2. 02 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    adj.describing a river that flows in the same direction as the original slope of the land.

    adj.denoting a stream or river whose course is determined by the original slope and structure of the land surface.

    Simple

    The consequent stream followed the natural dip of the mountain side.

    In context

    Geologists identified the river as a consequent stream because its path aligned perfectly with the initial tectonic tilt of the plateau.

    Usage

    Used specifically in geomorphology.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency AcademicTechnical Math

    n.the second part of an 'if-then' statement.

    n.the second half of a hypothetical proposition, representing the result that follows if the antecedent is true.

    Simple

    In the sentence 'If it rains, the ground gets wet,' the consequent is 'the ground gets wet.'

    In context

    The philosopher argued that while the antecedent was clearly false, the logical validity of the consequent remained intact within the formal system.

    Usage

    Commonly paired with 'antecedent' in formal logic.

    antecedent
  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Math

    n.the second number in a ratio.

    n.the second term of a mathematical ratio, such as 'b' in the ratio 'a:b'.

    Simple

    If the ratio is three to one, then one is the consequent.

    In context

    To solve the proportion, the student had to multiply the antecedent of the first ratio by the consequent of the second.

    antecedent

Britain is already paying the price of a crumbling NHS, rising welfare bill, jobs market inactivity, and consequent weak economic growth.

The Guardian· 9 Aug 2026

Borrowed from Middle French conséquent, from Latin consequens, consequentem, present participle of consequi (“to follow”), from con- + sequi (“to follow”). Compare French conséquent.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin consequens
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated