Consequent vs. Subsequent: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
"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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Contextual Use
Outcomes, results, effects
Events, actions, or conditions that follow
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Relation to Other Events
Directly linked as a cause-and-effect
Merely follows in time or order
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Example Usage
Consequent flooding from the storm
Subsequent events after the conference
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Consequent and Subsequent Definitions
Consequent
Resulting directly from an earlier event or condition.
The consequent damage was extensive.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
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Subsequent
Coming after something in time; following.
The team's subsequent matches were all victories.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Consequent
Following as a result or effect.
His actions and their consequent repercussions were evident.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Subsequent
Next in a series or sequence.
Her subsequent novel was even better.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Consequent
Occurring as a logical outcome.
Their strategy and its consequent success was admired.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Subsequent
Following in order or succession.
Subsequent chapters delve deeper into the topic.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
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Consequent
Directly related in a cause-effect manner.
The drought and the consequent crop failure worried farmers.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Subsequent
Happening at a time that follows a prior event.
The subsequent events were unexpected.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Consequent
Being the second of two related propositions in logic.
The antecedent was true, making the consequent valid.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Consequent
Following as a natural effect, result, or conclusion
Tried to prevent an oil spill and the consequent damage to wildlife.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 15, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 15, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 15, 2022
Consequent
(Logic) The conclusion, as of a syllogism or a conditional sentence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 15, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 15, 2022
Subsequent
Following in order of place; succeeding; as, a subsequent clause in a treaty.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 15, 2022
Consequent
Following as a result, inference, or natural effect.
His retirement and consequent spare time enabled him to travel more.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 15, 2022
Subsequent
Occurring or done after a particular event.
The research was refined in subsequent studies.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Consequent
(geology) Of a stream, having a course determined by the slope it formed on.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 15, 2022
Consequent
(logic) The second half of a hypothetical proposition; Q, if the form of the proposition is "If P, then Q."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 15, 2022
Consequent
(math) The second term of a ratio, i.e. the term b in the ratio a:b, the other being the antecedent.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 15, 2022
Consequent
Following as a result, inference, or natural effect.
The right was consequent to, and built on, an act perfectly personal.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 15, 2022
Consequent
Following by necessary inference or rational deduction; as, a proposition consequent to other propositions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 15, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 15, 2022
Consequent
That which follows from propositions by rational deduction; that which is deduced from reasoning or argumentation; a conclusion, or inference.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 15, 2022
Consequent
The second term of a ratio, as the term b in the ratio a:b, the first a, being the antecedent.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 15, 2022
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 15, 2022
FAQs
Is every Subsequent event a Consequent one?
No, subsequent events merely follow others without implying causation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
What's a synonym for Consequent?
"Resultant" can be a synonym for "consequent."
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Is "Following" a synonym for Subsequent?
Yes, "following" can mean the same as "subsequent."
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Can something be both Consequent and Subsequent?
Yes, an event can be a direct result (consequent) and also follow another event in time (subsequent).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Is Consequent always negative?
No, it simply denotes a result, which can be positive or negative.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Can Subsequent events have no relation to prior events?
Absolutely, they just occur after them in time or sequence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Which term is more about sequence?
"Subsequent" is more about sequence or order.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Do Consequent and Subsequent mean the same thing?
No, "consequent" refers to a result or effect, while "subsequent" means following in time or order.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can Subsequent be used to describe time periods?
Yes, like "subsequent years" or "subsequent months."
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
How is Consequent used in logic?
In logic, if an antecedent is true, its consequent follows as true.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Does Consequent imply direct causation?
Yes, it implies a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can a Consequent event be predicted?
Often, if the cause is known, the consequent effect can be predicted.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
