consequential
adjective
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Consequential dates from the 17th century and can be traced back to the Latin verb consequi, meaning "to follow along." Consequi, in turn, combines the prefix con-, meaning "through" or "with," and sequi, meaning "to follow." The English words sequel, second, and suitor are among the offspring of sequi. Henry Fielding's 1728 comedy Love in Several Masques introduced the meaning of "important" to consequential, which had until that point been used primarily in the context of results. Evidence for this usage declined temporarily in the 19th century, causing its acceptability to be questioned by such commentators as H. W. Fowler; it resurfaced in the 20th century, however, and is now considered standard.
Examples of consequential in a Sentence
Shelby Grad, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2025
But some of the most consequential choices stem not from bold actions, but from quiet inactions—from the steady pull of inertia.
—Nell Derick Debevoise, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Across the state line in Lexington, Mississippi, the Justice Department’s shift away from police accountability could also be consequential.
—Topher Sanders, ProPublica, 14 Apr. 2025
For me, the most important thing Bill Buckley did was provide both intellectual and moral support to two of conservatism’s most consequential figures—Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan.
—Doug Ducey, National Review, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for consequential
Cite this Entry
“Consequential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consequential. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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