Results or effects that follow from an action, decision, or condition, especially those that are unwelcome or unpleasant.
From Latin 'consequentia', from 'consequi' meaning 'to follow closely', composed of 'con-' (with, together) and 'sequi' (to follow). The term originally described logical following, later emphasizing causal relationships.
The word 'consequences' is related to 'sequence', 'sequel', and 'pursue' - all involving following or coming after. This etymological family reveals how humans have long understood causation as a kind of pursuit, where effects chase causes through time.
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