Consequently

Definition

Consequently is an adverb that means "as a result" or "therefore." It is used to indicate that one event or action is the direct outcome of another.

Parts of Speech

• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkɑnsəˌkwɛntli/
• Respelling: KON-suh-kwent-lee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkɒnsɪˌkwɛntli/
• Respelling: KON-si-kwent-lee

The pronunciation of "consequently" differs slightly between American and British English, particularly in the first syllable where American English uses a more open "ah" sound.

Etymology

The word "consequently" originates from the Latin word "consequi," which means "to follow closely." The term passed into Old French as "consequent" and later entered Middle English, maintaining the sense of something that logically follows from a previous statement or action.

Derivatives

• Consequence (noun)
• Consequential (adjective)
• Consequent (adjective)
• Inconsequential (adjective)
• Subsequent (adjective)

Synonyms

• Therefore
• As a result
• Hence

Antonyms

• Irrelevant
• Unrelated
• Unimportant

Usage

The adverb "consequently" is often used in formal writing and speech to link an action or event to its outcome. For example, "She studied hard for the exam; consequently, she passed with high marks," or "The weather was severe; consequently, the event was canceled." It emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship between two statements.

Related Terms

• Therefore: Used to introduce a logical result of a previously stated fact.
• Resultantly: Serving as a result of an action or situation.
• Ergo: A Latin word meaning "therefore," used in English to indicate a conclusion.

Detailed Definitions

Adverb

• As a result: Used to express that something is the direct outcome of another event or situation.
  • Example: "He missed the bus; consequently, he was late for work."
• Therefore: Used to introduce a logical conclusion based on the previous information.
  • Example: "The project was underfunded; consequently, it failed to meet its objectives."