consequence
Easy difficulty
What does “consequence” mean?
a result or effect of an action or condition.
SAT Usage
The term is commonly found in passages discussing cause and effect, decision-making, or moral implications of actions. It emphasizes the significance of outcomes that arise from specific actions, suggesting a deeper reflection on responsibility and the interconnectedness of choices, distinguishing it from mere results by highlighting ethical or personal accountability.
Common Confusions
Consequence implies a significant result that often involves ethical or personal accountability, while outcome usually suggests any result without the weight of moral implications.
Example Sentences
-
Ignoring the warning had serious consequences for everyone.
Word Parts: How to Remember “consequence”
Break “consequence” into its parts: co- (together, with) + -sequ- (follow). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
-
Prefix:
co-together, with (Latin) -
Root:
-sequ-follow (Latin)