consequent
In logic and philosophy, a consequent is the second part of a conditional proposition, following the 'if' clause (the antecedent). It represents the result or deduction that follows necessarily or naturally from a previous statement or condition.
Examples
3 of 5If you don't water the plant, it dies; in this logic, the death of the plant is the consequent.
The result or outcome of the conditional statement regarding the plant's health.
The scholar argued that the consequent of the proposed economic policy would be a rise in inflation.
The formal logical outcome predicted to follow the implementation of the policy.
Think of the 'then' part of your argument as the consequent; it's what happens because of your 'if'.
The secondary part of a hypothetical situation used in casual explanation.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Remember that 'A' (Antecedent) comes first in the alphabet and the sentence, and 'C' (Consequent) follows it.
Quick Quiz
In the logic puzzle 'If the light is red, the car stops,' the phrase 'the car stops' is the ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: consequent
Examples
If you don't water the plant, it dies; in this logic, the death of the plant is the consequent.
everydayThe result or outcome of the conditional statement regarding the plant's health.
The scholar argued that the consequent of the proposed economic policy would be a rise in inflation.
formalThe formal logical outcome predicted to follow the implementation of the policy.
Think of the 'then' part of your argument as the consequent; it's what happens because of your 'if'.
informalThe secondary part of a hypothetical situation used in casual explanation.
In a valid syllogism, if the antecedent is true, the consequent must also be true by necessity.
academicThe specific logical term for the conclusion of a conditional premise.
The consequent of failing to meet the quarterly targets was a reduction in the annual bonus pool.
businessThe direct business result or penalty following a specific failure to meet criteria.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
affirming the consequent
A formal fallacy of taking a true conditional statement and invalidly concluding the converse.
material consequent
A result that follows based on the actual content rather than just logic.
in consequent of
As a result of (archaic/highly formal variant of 'in consequence of').
Often Confused With
Consequence is the general word for a result; consequent is a technical term used specifically in logic for the 'then' part of a statement.
Subsequent refers only to order in time, whereas consequent implies a logical or causal connection.
Usage Notes
Use 'consequent' as a noun primarily when discussing formal logic, mathematics, or philosophy. In general writing, 'consequence' or 'result' is almost always preferred unless you are specifically contrasting it with an 'antecedent'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'consequent' as a noun when they mean 'consequence'. For example, saying 'The consequent of the rain was a flood' is technically correct in logic but sounds unnatural in standard English.
Memory Tip
Remember that 'A' (Antecedent) comes first in the alphabet and the sentence, and 'C' (Consequent) follows it.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'consequens', the present participle of 'consequi', meaning 'to follow after'.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
In the logic puzzle 'If the light is red, the car stops,' the phrase 'the car stops' is the ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: consequent
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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