Cause vs. Consequence — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 24, 2024
Cause initiates an event or condition; consequence is the result or effect of that event or condition.
Difference Between Cause and Consequence
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A cause is the reason something happens, it sets into motion a series of effects. For instance, heavy rain can cause flooding. Whereas a consequence is the outcome or result of an action, condition, or decision, such as property damage resulting from the flood.
Causes are often actions or events that can be controlled or influenced, like turning on a stove to heat water. On the other hand, consequences are typically the results of those actions, which in this case would be the boiling of the water.
In many scenarios, identifying the cause is crucial for prevention or preparation, such as vaccinating to prevent disease. Whereas understanding consequences can help in managing or mitigating the impacts, like preparing healthcare systems to deal with outbreaks.
Causes can be immediate and direct, such as striking a match to produce a flame. Conversely, consequences may be delayed or indirect, like the smoke from the fire causing air pollution.
Understanding the cause of a problem often leads to solutions, such as finding a fault in machinery to prevent malfunctions. On the other hand, dealing with consequences usually involves handling the aftermath, like repairing the machinery after it breaks down.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The reason something happens
The result or effect of an action
Control
Often can be influenced or controlled
Generally managed or mitigated
Temporal Nature
Precedes the effect
Follows the cause
Predictability
Can be anticipated with prior knowledge
Often uncertain until the cause unfolds
Example
Lighting a fire
The warmth or destruction caused by the fire
Compare with Definitions
Cause
A principle or aim pursued by a group.
They rallied for the cause of free speech.
Consequence
An aftermath or resultant state.
The room was in disarray, a consequence of the party.
Cause
A motivating factor.
His passion for art was the cause of his career choice.
Consequence
A logical outcome in a sequence.
The consequence of ignoring the warning was a penalty.
Cause
The initiator of an action or event.
The spark was the cause of the fire.
Consequence
A repercussion or impact.
The economic downturn had serious consequences for investors.
Cause
A source of a physical condition.
Allergens are the cause of his sneezing.
Consequence
A condition resultant from a prior action.
His health improved as a consequence of exercise.
Cause
A justification for an action.
She went to the store for the cause of buying milk.
Consequence
Something that logically or naturally follows from an action or condition.
Cause
A subject under debate or discussion.
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).
Cause
Because.
Consequence
A logical conclusion or inference.
Cause
The producer of an effect, result, or consequence.
Consequence
Importance in rank or position
Scientists of consequence.
Cause
The one, such as a person, event, or condition, that is responsible for an action or result.
Consequence
Significance; importance
An issue of consequence.
Cause
A basis for an action or response; a reason
The doctor's report gave no cause for alarm.
Consequence
That which follows something on which it depends; that which is produced by a cause.
Cause
A goal or principle served with dedication and zeal
“the cause of freedom versus tyranny” (Hannah Arendt).
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.
Cause
The interests of a person or group engaged in a struggle
“The cause of America is in great measure the cause of all mankind” (Thomas Paine).
Consequence
A proposition collected from the agreement of other previous propositions; any conclusion which results from reason or argument; inference.
Cause
A lawsuit or criminal prosecution.
Consequence
Chain of causes and effects; consecution.
Cause
The ground or basis for a lawsuit.
Consequence
Importance with respect to what comes after.
Cause
To be the cause of or reason for; result in.
Consequence
The power to influence or produce an effect.
Cause
To bring about or compel by authority or force
The moderator invoked a rule causing the debate to be ended.
Consequence
(especially when preceded by "of") Importance, value, or influence.
Cause
The source of, or reason for, an event or action; that which produces or effects a result.
They identified a burst pipe as the cause of the flooding.
Consequence
(transitive) To threaten or punish (a child, etc.) with specific consequences for misbehaviour.
Cause
Sufficient reason for a state, as of emotion.
There is no cause for alarm.
The end of the war was a cause for celebration.
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.
Cause
(countable) A goal, aim or principle, especially one which transcends purely selfish ends.
Consequence
A proposition collected from the agreement of other previous propositions; any conclusion which results from reason or argument; inference.
Cause
(obsolete) Sake; interest; advantage.
Consequence
Chain of causes and effects; consecution.
Such fatal consequence unites us three.
Link follows link by necessary consequence.
Cause
Any subject of discussion or debate; a matter; an affair.
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.
Cause
A suit or action in court; any legal process by which a party endeavors to obtain his claim, or what he regards as his right; case; ground of action.
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
Cause
(transitive) To set off an event or action.
The lightning caused thunder.
Consequence
The outcome of an event especially as relative to an individual;
That result is of no consequence
Cause
(ditransitive) To actively produce as a result, by means of force or authority.
His dogged determination caused the fundraising to be successful.
Consequence
Having important effects or influence;
Decisions of great consequence are made by the president himself
Virtue is of more moment that security
Cause
(obsolete) To assign or show cause; to give a reason; to make excuse.
Cause
Alternative form of 'cause; because
Cause
That which produces or effects a result; that from which anything proceeds, and without which it would not exist.
Cause is substance exerting its power into act, to make one thing begin to be.
Cause
That which is the occasion of an action or state; ground; reason; motive; as, cause for rejoicing.
Cause
Sake; interest; advantage.
I did it not for his cause.
Cause
A suit or action in court; any legal process by which a party endeavors to obtain his claim, or what he regards as his right; case; ground of action.
Cause
Any subject of discussion or debate; matter; question; affair in general.
What counsel give you in this weighty cause!
Cause
The side of a question, which is espoused, advocated, and upheld by a person or party; a principle which is advocated; that which a person or party seeks to attain.
God befriend us, as our cause is just.
The part they take against me is from zeal to the cause.
Cause
To effect as an agent; to produce; to be the occasion of; to bring about; to bring into existence; to make; - usually followed by an infinitive, sometimes by that with a finite verb.
I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days.
Cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans.
Cause
To assign or show cause; to give a reason; to make excuse.
Cause
Abbreviation of Because.
Cause
Events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something;
They are trying to determine the cause of the crash
Cause
A justification for something existing or happening;
He had no cause to complain
They had good reason to rejoice
Cause
A series of actions advancing a principle or tending toward a particular end;
He supported populist campaigns
They worked in the cause of world peace
The team was ready for a drive toward the pennant
The movement to end slavery
Contributed to the war effort
Cause
Any entity that causes events to happen
Cause
A comprehensive term for any proceeding in a court of law whereby an individual seeks a legal remedy;
The family brought suit against the landlord
Cause
Give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally;
Cause a commotion
Make a stir
Cause an accident
Cause
Cause to do; cause to act in a specified manner;
The ads induced me to buy a VCR
My children finally got me to buy a computer
My wife made me buy a new sofa
Common Curiosities
How can identifying causes prevent consequences?
By understanding and addressing causes, we can prevent unwanted consequences.
How does knowing the cause affect decision-making?
Knowing the cause helps in making informed decisions to influence outcomes.
Can the same event be both a cause and a consequence?
Yes, in complex systems, the same event can be both a cause and a consequence.
What is a cause?
A cause is what makes something happen.
Can consequences become causes for other events?
Yes, consequences can themselves become causes, creating a chain of events.
What might be a consequence in a social context?
In a social context, a consequence could be societal change due to policy implementation.
What is a consequence?
A consequence is the result or effect of an action or decision.
Are all consequences negative?
No, consequences can be positive, negative, or neutral depending on the context.
What is an example of a cause in nature?
Natural causes include events like volcanic eruptions causing ash clouds.
Are consequences always foreseeable?
While some consequences can be predicted, others may be unexpected or unforeseen.
Can causes always be controlled?
Not all causes can be controlled, especially those that are natural or external.
How are cause and consequence used in problem-solving?
Identifying causes helps target interventions, while understanding consequences aids in planning for impacts.
What is an indirect consequence?
An indirect consequence is an outcome that does not follow directly from an action but occurs through a series of linked events.
How do consequences influence future actions?
Consequences often shape future behaviors and strategies based on their impacts.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
