consequence

Where does the word "consequence" come from? It comes from Latin consequi, and was adopted directly into English (1300s).

Consequence’s story begins in Latin: consequi meant “to follow closely, to result from.” To follow closely, to result from, from com- (together) and sequi (to follow). It reached English by 1300s as consequence. Settled as the English word for a result or effect of an action. Today, consequence means a result or effect of an action or condition.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient consequi "to follow closely, to result from", to follow closely, to result from, from com- (together) and sequi (to follow).
2. Stage 2 · English · 1300s consequence "a result or effect of an action or condition", settled as the English word for a result or effect of an action.