1. Result or Outcome: This is the most common meaning. It refers to the effect or outcome of an action, decision, or event.
* Example: "The consequence of his actions was the loss of his job."
* Synonyms: outcome, result, effect, repercussion, aftermath
2. Importance or Significance: It can also refer to the importance or weight of something, especially in relation to a decision or action.
* Example: "This decision has far-reaching consequences for the company."
* Synonyms: significance, importance, weight, gravity
3. Deduction or Inference: In logic, a consequence is a conclusion reached from a set of premises.
* Example: "If all dogs are mammals, and my pet is a dog, then my pet is a mammal."
4. Logical Relationship: This meaning is related to the previous one. It describes the logical connection between a cause and its effect.
* Example: "The consequence of rain is wet ground."
In a nutshell, "consequence" refers to the result, importance, or logical connection of something.