Etymology Borrowed from Middle French conséquent, from Latin consequens, consequentem, present participle of consequi (“to follow”), from con- + sequi (“to follow”). Compare French conséquent.
1
Following as a result, inference, or natural effect.
His retirement and consequent spare time enabled him to travel more.
The advantages are a saving in weight of about one ton, with consequent reduction in energy consumption; a saving in paint (of some three to four cwt. per car), with a corresponding economy on subsequent overhauls; and lower cleaning costs.1957 October 23, “Prototype Tube Trains For London Transport”, in Railway Magazine, page 688:
1 more example
Elsewhere in this issue, for example, an article on the new pattern of freight train operation in the N.E.R. consequent upon the opening this summer of its three mechanised marshalling yards shows that one effect will be a further step-up in the speed of the East Coast main line freight traffic.1963 July, “News and Comment: Roller bearings for freight stock”, in Modern Railways, pages 5–6:
2
Of or pertaining to consequences.
3
Geography, Geology, Natural sciences Of a stream, having a course determined by the slope it formed on.
Etymology Borrowed from Middle French conséquent, from Latin consequens, consequentem, present participle of consequi (“to follow”), from con- + sequi (“to follow”). Compare French conséquent.
1
Human sciences, Logic, Mathematics, Philosophy, Sciences The second half of a hypothetical proposition; Q, if the form of the proposition is "If P, then Q."
2
An event which follows another.
They were ill-governed, which is always a consequent of ill payment.1612, John Davies, Discoverie of the True Causes why Ireland was never entirely subdued:
3
Mathematics, Sciences The second term of a ratio, i.e. the term b in the ratio a:b, the other being the antecedent.
Consequents cannot get any better off than at first: they get all the drainage and cannot get more.1899, Sydney Savory Buckman, “The Development of Rivers”, in Natural Science, page 275: