Consequent vs. Subsequent: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 4, 2023
"Consequent" refers to a result or effect of an action or condition, while "Subsequent" means occurring or coming after something in time or order.
Key Differences
"Consequent" and "Subsequent" are two terms that, while sounding similar, have different implications in language. "Consequent" is intrinsically tied to causality and denotes a direct outcome or result stemming from a previous action or condition. If there's a cause, the consequent is its effect. Conversely, "Subsequent" is rooted in the notion of time or sequence. It doesn't imply causation but merely denotes that something follows another in order or time.
When discussing "Consequent," one is essentially addressing the consequence or aftermath of a particular event. For example, if a heavy rainfall occurs, a consequent effect might be flooding. The term implies a direct connection between the initial event and its outcome. "Subsequent," on the other hand, would be used to describe events that happen after the rainfall, such as a subsequent rainbow or a subsequent drop in temperature. It doesn't necessarily mean the first event caused the second.
"Consequent" emphasizes the relationship between a cause and its effect. It's about linking two events in a manner where one directly results from the other. However, "Subsequent" is devoid of such causative links. When something is subsequent, it's simply following another event without the implication that it was directly caused by the preceding event.
To differentiate further, consider the legal realm. A "Consequent" injury might be the direct result of an accident, while a "Subsequent" legal action might be a lawsuit filed after the accident. The former illustrates causation, while the latter showcases a sequence.
Comparison Chart
Meaning
A direct result or effect
Occurring or coming after
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Implication
Causation
Sequence
Contextual Use
Outcomes, results, effects
Events, actions, or conditions that follow
Relation to Other Events
Directly linked as a cause-and-effect
Merely follows in time or order
Example Usage
Consequent flooding from the storm
Subsequent events after the conference
Consequent and Subsequent Definitions
Consequent
Resulting directly from an earlier event or condition.
The consequent damage was extensive.
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Subsequent
Coming after something in time; following.
The team's subsequent matches were all victories.
Consequent
Following as a result or effect.
His actions and their consequent repercussions were evident.
Subsequent
Next in a series or sequence.
Her subsequent novel was even better.
Consequent
Occurring as a logical outcome.
Their strategy and its consequent success was admired.
Subsequent
Following in order or succession.
Subsequent chapters delve deeper into the topic.
Consequent
Directly related in a cause-effect manner.
The drought and the consequent crop failure worried farmers.
Subsequent
Happening at a time that follows a prior event.
The subsequent events were unexpected.
Consequent
Being the second of two related propositions in logic.
The antecedent was true, making the consequent valid.
Subsequent
Following in time or order; succeeding.
Consequent
Following as a natural effect, result, or conclusion
Tried to prevent an oil spill and the consequent damage to wildlife.
Subsequent
Following in time; coming or being after something else at any time, indefinitely.
Growth was dampened by a softening of the global economy in 2001, but picked up in the subsequent years due to strong growth in China.
Consequent
Following as a logical conclusion.
Subsequent
Following in order of place; succeeding.
Consequent
Logically correct or consistent.
Subsequent
Following a line in the earth that is more easily eroded.
Consequent
(Geology) Having a position or direction determined by the original form or slope of the earth's surface
A consequent river.
A consequent valley.
Subsequent
(geology) A subsequent stream or faultline.
Consequent
(Logic) The conclusion, as of a syllogism or a conditional sentence.
Subsequent
Following in time; coming or being after something else at any time, indefinitely; as, subsequent events; subsequent ages or years; a period long subsequent to the foundation of Rome.
Consequent
The second term of a ratio.
Subsequent
Following in order of place; succeeding; as, a subsequent clause in a treaty.
Consequent
Following as a result, inference, or natural effect.
His retirement and consequent spare time enabled him to travel more.
Subsequent
Following in time or order;
Subsequent developments
Consequent
Of or pertaining to consequences.
Subsequent
Occurring or done after a particular event.
The research was refined in subsequent studies.
Consequent
(geology) Of a stream, having a course determined by the slope it formed on.
Consequent
(logic) The second half of a hypothetical proposition; Q, if the form of the proposition is "If P, then Q."
Consequent
An event which follows another.
Consequent
(math) The second term of a ratio, i.e. the term b in the ratio a:b, the other being the antecedent.
Consequent
(geology) A consequent stream.
Consequent
Following as a result, inference, or natural effect.
The right was consequent to, and built on, an act perfectly personal.
Consequent
Following by necessary inference or rational deduction; as, a proposition consequent to other propositions.
Consequent
That which follows, or results from, a cause; a result or natural effect.
They were ill-governed, which is always a consequent of ill payment.
Consequent
That which follows from propositions by rational deduction; that which is deduced from reasoning or argumentation; a conclusion, or inference.
Consequent
The second term of a ratio, as the term b in the ratio a:b, the first a, being the antecedent.
Consequent
Following as an effect or result;
The period of tension and consequent need for military preparedness
The ensuant response to his appeal
The resultant savings were considerable
The health of the plants and the resulting flowers
FAQs
Is every Subsequent event a Consequent one?
No, subsequent events merely follow others without implying causation.
What's a synonym for Consequent?
"Resultant" can be a synonym for "consequent."
Is "Following" a synonym for Subsequent?
Yes, "following" can mean the same as "subsequent."
Can something be both Consequent and Subsequent?
Yes, an event can be a direct result (consequent) and also follow another event in time (subsequent).
Is Consequent always negative?
No, it simply denotes a result, which can be positive or negative.
Can Subsequent events have no relation to prior events?
Absolutely, they just occur after them in time or sequence.
Which term is more about sequence?
"Subsequent" is more about sequence or order.
Do Consequent and Subsequent mean the same thing?
No, "consequent" refers to a result or effect, while "subsequent" means following in time or order.
Can Subsequent be used to describe time periods?
Yes, like "subsequent years" or "subsequent months."
How is Consequent used in logic?
In logic, if an antecedent is true, its consequent follows as true.
Does Consequent imply direct causation?
Yes, it implies a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
Can a Consequent event be predicted?
Often, if the cause is known, the consequent effect can be predicted.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
