Repercussion vs. Consequence — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 19, 2023
Repercussion refers to an indirect or unintended effect resulting from an event, while a consequence is a direct result or outcome of that event. Both denote outcomes but differ in immediacy and directness.
Difference Between Repercussion and Consequence
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Key Differences
Repercussion and Consequence are terms frequently used to describe outcomes or effects of particular actions or events. However, they carry subtle distinctions in their meanings.
A Consequence often refers to a direct result or aftermath of an action, decision, or event. It's the immediate and often foreseeable outcome that directly stems from the action taken. For instance, if someone doesn't study for an exam, the consequence might be failing that exam.
Repercussion, on the other hand, alludes to the indirect or unintended consequences of an event. These are the ripple effects or secondary outcomes that may not be immediately obvious. Using the same example, the repercussion of not studying might be a loss of confidence or missing out on a scholarship opportunity.
While Consequences can be both positive and negative, the term Repercussion often carries a negative connotation, implying unforeseen or unwanted side effects.
In essence, while both terms deal with outcomes, Repercussion is more about the cascading effects, whereas Consequence focuses on the direct outcomes.
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Comparison Chart
Directness
Often indirect or secondary effects.
Direct and immediate outcomes of an action or event.
Connotation
Generally has a negative implication.
Can be neutral, positive, or negative.
Foreseeability
May not always be foreseeable.
Often foreseeable and expected.
Relationship
Reflects the ripple effects or cascading results.
Pertains to primary outcomes directly linked to the cause.
Timing
Might manifest after some time.
Typically seen soon after the event or action.
Compare with Definitions
Repercussion
An indirect effect, especially a negative one.
The financial crisis had global repercussions.
Consequence
A repercussion or effect of a decision.
Every choice has a consequence.
Repercussion
A reflection of the broader impact of an event.
The scandal had serious political repercussions.
Consequence
Something produced by a cause or necessarily following from a set of conditions.
His sudden departure was a direct consequence of the disagreement.
Repercussion
The echo or resonance of a significant occurrence.
The repercussions of the event were felt for years.
Consequence
Something that logically or naturally follows from an action or condition.
Repercussion
An unintended consequence of an event or action.
The sudden policy change had several unforeseen repercussions.
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
The aftermath or ripple effect of a particular decision.
Ignoring the warning signs had long-term repercussions.
Consequence
A logical conclusion or inference.
Repercussion
An often indirect effect, influence, or result that is produced by an event or action.
Consequence
Importance in rank or position
Scientists of consequence.
Repercussion
A recoil, rebounding, or reciprocal motion after impact.
Consequence
Significance; importance
An issue of consequence.
Repercussion
A reflection, especially of sound.
Consequence
That which follows something on which it depends; that which is produced by a cause.
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
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
The act of driving back, or the state of being driven back; reflection; reverberation.
The repercussion of sound
Consequence
A proposition collected from the agreement of other previous propositions; any conclusion which results from reason or argument; inference.
Repercussion
(music) Rapid reiteration of the same sound.
Consequence
Chain of causes and effects; consecution.
Repercussion
(medicine) The subsidence of a tumour or eruption by the action of a repellent.
Consequence
Importance with respect to what comes after.
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
The power to influence or produce an effect.
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
(especially when preceded by "of") Importance, value, or influence.
Repercussion
Rapid reiteration of the same sound.
Consequence
(transitive) To threaten or punish (a child, etc.) with specific consequences for misbehaviour.
Repercussion
The subsidence of a tumor or eruption by the action of a repellent.
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
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
A proposition collected from the agreement of other previous propositions; any conclusion which results from reason or argument; inference.
Repercussion
A remote or indirect consequence of some action;
His declaration had unforeseen repercussions
Reverberations of the market crash were felt years later
Consequence
Chain of causes and effects; consecution.
Such fatal consequence unites us three.
Link follows link by necessary consequence.
Repercussion
A movement back from an impact
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
The result or outcome of a particular action or situation.
The consequence of his tardiness was a missed opportunity.
Consequence
A logical outcome or result.
The drought was a natural consequence of months without rain.
Consequence
The effect, result, or outcome of something occurring earlier.
The accident was the unfortunate consequence of carelessness.
Common Curiosities
Are Repercussions always negative?
While repercussions can be neutral or even positive, they often carry a negative connotation.
Do both Repercussion and Consequence refer to outcomes?
Yes, both refer to outcomes but differ in directness and immediacy.
Can a Consequence be positive?
Yes, consequences can be positive, negative, or neutral.
Is "facing the consequences" a common phrase?
Yes, it means dealing with the direct results of one's actions.
Can a Repercussion be immediate?
Repercussions might manifest immediately, but they often indicate secondary or cascading effects.
Are all Repercussions unforeseeable?
Not all, but repercussions often indicate unintended or unforeseen outcomes.
Can one action have both Consequences and Repercussions?
Absolutely. An action can have direct consequences and indirect repercussions.
Can Repercussions be far-reaching?
Yes, repercussions can extend far beyond the initial event or action.
Is a Consequence always direct?
Typically, consequences are direct outcomes of actions or events.
Can an event have unintended consequences?
Yes, unintended consequences are outcomes not foreseen or intended by a purposeful action.
Do repercussions always follow consequences?
Not always, but repercussions are typically the indirect or secondary outcomes following the initial consequence.
Which term is broader in scope?
Repercussion often implies a broader, cascading effect, while consequence is more specific.
Are consequences always a result of personal actions?
No, consequences can result from personal actions, natural events, or decisions made by others.
Can "consequential" refer to something important?
Yes, "consequential" can mean having significant consequences or being very important.
Is "reverberation" similar to "repercussion"?
In some contexts, they can be synonymous, but "reverberation" often relates to sound or a repeated effect.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
