Repercussion vs. Consequence: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Repercussion is an indirect effect or result of an event or action, often unexpected or unintended. Consequence is a direct result or outcome, typically seen as a logical or natural effect of an action or event.
Key Differences
Repercussions are often the ripple effects of an action, extending beyond the immediate consequences and sometimes unforeseen or unintended. Consequences, on the other hand, are the direct results of an action or decision, generally anticipated and logically connected to the cause.
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Nov 22, 2023
Repercussions can be far-reaching and affect various aspects indirectly, like causing a chain reaction in unrelated areas. Consequences are typically more straightforward, directly correlating to the cause and effect in a specific situation.
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Nov 22, 2023
While repercussions may surface over time and can be less predictable, consequences are usually immediate and more predictable outcomes of actions. The nature of repercussions is often more complex and multi-faceted than that of consequences.
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Nov 22, 2023
Repercussions may carry a connotation of negative effects, particularly in situations where the long-term impacts were not initially considered. Consequences, however, can be either positive or negative and are generally understood as a natural outcome of actions.
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Nov 22, 2023
In terms of responsibility, repercussions sometimes highlight the broader impact of an individual’s actions on the larger community or environment. Consequences are more often focused on the individual or immediate context of the action.
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Nov 22, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Predictability
Less predictable, may emerge over time
More predictable, usually immediate
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Nov 22, 2023
Scope
Can be broader, affecting various aspects
Generally specific to the action or decision
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Nov 22, 2023
Connotation
Often negative, implies broader implications
Can be positive or negative, a logical outcome
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Nov 22, 2023
Focus
Emphasizes extended impact beyond immediate context
Centers on the direct link between cause and effect
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Repercussion and Consequence Definitions
Repercussion
A secondary effect or byproduct.
The merger had several repercussions in the industry.
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Nov 22, 2023
Consequence
An outcome that logically follows from an action.
The project's failure was a direct consequence of poor planning.
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Nov 22, 2023
Repercussion
A ripple effect caused by an action or decision.
His resignation had repercussions throughout the company.
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Nov 22, 2023
Consequence
An effect that follows naturally from a cause.
Environmental degradation is a consequence of deforestation.
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Nov 22, 2023
Repercussion
An unforeseen result of a particular action.
The new law had several negative repercussions.
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Nov 22, 2023
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Consequence
A repercussion, especially one that is negative.
She faced serious consequences for breaking the rules.
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Nov 22, 2023
Repercussion
An unintended consequence of an action.
The policy's repercussion led to unexpected economic changes.
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Nov 22, 2023
Consequence
A result or effect of an action or decision.
The consequence of his actions was immediate dismissal.
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Nov 22, 2023
Repercussion
An indirect outcome of a specific event.
The legal decision's repercussion affected other cases.
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Nov 22, 2023
Consequence
Something that logically or naturally follows from an action or condition.
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Oct 19, 2023
Repercussion
An often indirect effect, influence, or result that is produced by an event or action.
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Oct 19, 2023
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).
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Oct 19, 2023
Repercussion
A consequence or ensuing result of some action.
You realize this little stunt of yours is going to have some pretty serious repercussions.
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Oct 19, 2023
Repercussion
The act of driving back, or the state of being driven back; reflection; reverberation.
The repercussion of sound
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Oct 19, 2023
Consequence
That which follows something on which it depends; that which is produced by a cause.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Repercussion
(medicine) The subsidence of a tumour or eruption by the action of a repellent.
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Oct 19, 2023
Consequence
A proposition collected from the agreement of other previous propositions; any conclusion which results from reason or argument; inference.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Repercussion
The subsidence of a tumor or eruption by the action of a repellent.
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Oct 19, 2023
Consequence
(especially when preceded by "of") Importance, value, or influence.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Consequence
(transitive) To threaten or punish (a child, etc.) with specific consequences for misbehaviour.
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Oct 19, 2023
Repercussion
A remote or indirect consequence of some action;
His declaration had unforeseen repercussions
Reverberations of the market crash were felt years later
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Consequence
A proposition collected from the agreement of other previous propositions; any conclusion which results from reason or argument; inference.
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Oct 19, 2023
Consequence
Chain of causes and effects; consecution.
Such fatal consequence unites us three.
Link follows link by necessary consequence.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
Consequence
The outcome of an event especially as relative to an individual;
That result is of no consequence
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Oct 19, 2023
Consequence
Having important effects or influence;
Decisions of great consequence are made by the president himself
Virtue is of more moment that security
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Oct 19, 2023
Consequence
A result of something that has happened.
The economic crisis was a consequence of financial mismanagement.
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Nov 22, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a repercussion?
A repercussion is an indirect and often unexpected result of an action.
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Nov 22, 2023
Do repercussions always relate to the original action?
Repercussions are related to the original action but can extend to broader contexts.
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Nov 22, 2023
Are consequences always immediate?
Consequences are often immediate, but they can also manifest over time.
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Nov 22, 2023
Are repercussions always foreseeable?
No, repercussions are often unforeseeable and can arise unexpectedly.
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Nov 22, 2023
How is a consequence defined?
A consequence is a direct result or outcome of an action or decision.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can repercussions be positive?
While often negative, repercussions can sometimes be positive or neutral.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can an action have both repercussions and consequences?
Yes, an action can have both immediate consequences and longer-term repercussions.
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Nov 22, 2023
How do repercussions affect decision-making?
Repercussions can make decision-making complex, as they involve considering indirect and long-term effects.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can consequences be unintended?
Yes, consequences can be unintended, although they are directly connected to the cause.
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Nov 22, 2023
Are repercussions a form of punishment?
Not necessarily; they are more about the indirect effects rather than punishment.
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Nov 22, 2023
How do consequences affect personal responsibility?
Consequences are directly tied to personal responsibility and accountability.
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Nov 22, 2023
Is every consequence negative?
No, consequences can be either positive, negative, or neutral, depending on the action.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can a consequence be a single event?
Yes, a consequence can be a single, isolated event directly following an action.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can someone control the consequences of their actions?
People can sometimes anticipate and control consequences, but not always.
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Nov 22, 2023
Are the terms 'repercussion' and 'consequence' interchangeable?
While related, they are not fully interchangeable due to their distinct nuances.
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Nov 22, 2023
Are all consequences predictable?
While consequences are often predictable, they can sometimes be surprising.
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Nov 22, 2023
Do repercussions always involve multiple parties?
Often, but not always, repercussions can affect multiple parties or sectors.
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Nov 22, 2023
Do repercussions matter in legal contexts?
Yes, in legal contexts, understanding potential repercussions is important for decision-making.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can consequences change over time?
Yes, the nature and impact of consequences can evolve over time.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can the same action have different repercussions for different people?
Yes, the same action can have varying repercussions for different individuals or groups.
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Nov 22, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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