Repercussion vs. Consequence: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 4, 2023
"Repercussion" denotes an indirect or unintended result, often echoing back, while "Consequence" is a direct outcome or result following an action or event.
Key Differences
The words Repercussion and Consequence both refer to outcomes or results stemming from a particular event or action. However, "Repercussion" typically implies a more indirect or secondary effect, often reflecting back or echoing from the initial impact. In contrast, "Consequence" typically alludes to a direct and primary outcome.
When considering the context of their use, Repercussion is often tied to unforeseen or collateral impacts, like the ripples in water after a stone's toss. Consequence, on the other hand, is straightforward, detailing the immediate results or outcomes of actions, decisions, or events.
Delving into etymology, Repercussion comes from Latin 'repercussus', which means "to drive back". This origin showcases its undertones of a return or bounce-back effect. Consequence, stemming from 'consequi', translates to "follow closely", highlighting its direct relation to an antecedent action or event.
In grammatical terms, while both words predominantly function as nouns, Consequence has a broader application, sometimes referencing importance or significance. Repercussion, though, remains focused on outcomes, particularly those unintended or echoing effects.
Professionally, in areas like policy-making or strategic planning, a Repercussion might reference unintended side effects of a decision, while a Consequence would denote the main outcomes that were anticipated from the beginning.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Indirect or unintended result
Direct outcome following an action
Origin
Latin 'repercussus' (to drive back)
Latin 'consequi' (follow closely)
Grammatical Usage
Mainly used as a noun
Predominantly a noun, can reference importance
Connotation
Often unforeseen or echoing impacts
Direct and anticipated results
Contextual Use
Side effects or ripple effects
Immediate or primary outcomes
ADVERTISEMENT
Repercussion and Consequence Definitions
Repercussion
An unintended consequence arising from an event or action.
The economic repercussion of the policy was not foreseen.
Consequence
A result or effect of an action or condition.
Not studying has the consequence of failing the exam.
Repercussion
An adverse reaction to an event.
The scandal had serious repercussion for the company.
Consequence
A logical outcome or result.
The drought was a consequence of deforestation.
Repercussion
A phenomenon that emerges from a cause.
The environmental repercussion of pollution is devastating.
Consequence
Importance or relevance.
The issue is of little consequence to the broader public.
Repercussion
An often indirect effect, influence, or result that is produced by an event or action.
Consequence
Something that logically or naturally follows from an action or condition.
Repercussion
A recoil, rebounding, or reciprocal motion after impact.
Consequence
A punishment or negative repercussion
"Sometimes a cousin's first child was born six months after the wedding.
Aside from a moment's tsk-tsk, there were no consequences" (Donald Hall).
Repercussion
A reflection, especially of sound.
Consequence
A logical conclusion or inference.
Repercussion
A consequence or ensuing result of some action.
You realize this little stunt of yours is going to have some pretty serious repercussions.
Consequence
Importance in rank or position
Scientists of consequence.
Repercussion
The act of driving back, or the state of being driven back; reflection; reverberation.
The repercussion of sound
Consequence
Significance; importance
An issue of consequence.
Repercussion
(music) Rapid reiteration of the same sound.
Consequence
That which follows something on which it depends; that which is produced by a cause.
Repercussion
(medicine) The subsidence of a tumour or eruption by the action of a repellent.
Consequence
A result of actions, especially if such a result is unwanted or unpleasant.
I'm warning you. If you don't get me the report on time, there will be consequences.
Repercussion
(obstetrics) In a vaginal examination, the act of imparting through the uterine wall with the finger a shock to the foetus, so that it bounds upward, and falls back again against the examining finger.
Consequence
A proposition collected from the agreement of other previous propositions; any conclusion which results from reason or argument; inference.
Repercussion
The act of driving back, or the state of being driven back; reflection; reverberation; as, the repercussion of sound.
Ever echoing back in endless repercussion.
Consequence
Chain of causes and effects; consecution.
Repercussion
Rapid reiteration of the same sound.
Consequence
Importance with respect to what comes after.
Repercussion
The subsidence of a tumor or eruption by the action of a repellent.
Consequence
The power to influence or produce an effect.
Repercussion
In a vaginal examination, the act of imparting through the uterine wall with the finger a shock to the fetus, so that it bounds upward, and falls back again against the examining finger.
Consequence
(especially when preceded by "of") Importance, value, or influence.
Repercussion
A remote or indirect consequence of some action;
His declaration had unforeseen repercussions
Reverberations of the market crash were felt years later
Consequence
(transitive) To threaten or punish (a child, etc.) with specific consequences for misbehaviour.
Repercussion
A movement back from an impact
Consequence
That which follows something on which it depends; that which is produced by a cause; a result.
Shun to taste,And shun the bitter consequence.
Repercussion
An echoing or reverberation.
The loud noise had repercussion throughout the valley.
Consequence
A proposition collected from the agreement of other previous propositions; any conclusion which results from reason or argument; inference.
Repercussion
A reflect back of something, especially sound or light.
The mountain caused a repercussion of the radio signal.
Consequence
Chain of causes and effects; consecution.
Such fatal consequence unites us three.
Link follows link by necessary consequence.
Consequence
Importance with respect to what comes after; power to influence or produce an effect; value; moment; rank; distinction.
It is a matter of small consequence.
A sense of your own worth and consequence.
Consequence
A phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon;
The magnetic effect was greater when the rod was lengthwise
His decision had depressing consequences for business
He acted very wise after the event
Consequence
The outcome of an event especially as relative to an individual;
That result is of no consequence
Consequence
Having important effects or influence;
Decisions of great consequence are made by the president himself
Virtue is of more moment that security
Consequence
An aftermath or sequel of an event.
The consequence of the war lasted for decades.
Consequence
The outcome of a sequence or series of events.
His tardiness had a negative consequence at work.
FAQs
Are consequences always foreseeable?
Not always. While many are predictable, some consequences can be unexpected.
Are Repercussion and Consequence synonyms?
While related, they're not exact synonyms; repercussions are often indirect, while consequences are direct outcomes.
Is every action's Consequence immediate?
No, consequences can be immediate or long-term.
Can policy decisions have Repercussions?
Yes, often in the form of unintended side effects or impacts.
Can sound have a Repercussion?
Yes, in the sense of echoing or reverberating.
Can an event have both Repercussion and Consequence?
Yes, an event can have direct consequences and indirect repercussions.
Can a decision's Consequence be immediate?
Yes, some decisions have immediate consequences.
Can a Repercussion be positive?
Yes, though it often implies unintended or unforeseen outcomes, they can be positive.
Does Repercussion always indicate a side effect?
Often, but not exclusively. It generally suggests indirect or echoing effects.
Can nature have Repercussions to human actions?
Yes, like climate change as a repercussion of pollution.
Which term, Repercussion or Consequence, is broader in meaning?
Consequence has a broader application, denoting any outcome, direct or indirect.
What is a legal Consequence?
It's a result, often punitive, stemming from a legal decision or action.
Can actions have multiple Repercussions?
Absolutely, especially in complex scenarios.
Is Repercussion often used in economic contexts?
Yes, to denote indirect or echoing effects of policies or events.
Can an action's Consequence be unintended?
Yes, not all consequences are foreseen or intended.
Is a Consequence always linked to a preceding action?
Generally, yes. It denotes outcomes following actions or events.
How do Consequence and Outcome relate?
Both indicate results, but "consequence" often carries a cause-effect implication.
Is Repercussion more about unforeseen effects?
Typically, it emphasizes unintended or indirect outcomes.
Are Consequences always negative?
No, they can be positive, negative, or neutral.
Are Repercussions always long-term?
Not necessarily; they can be short-lived or prolonged.
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.
