What does consequentially mean?
"Consequentially" is a formal adverb with two related senses. In its more familiar use, it means "as a result" or "therefore", introducing what follows logically from something previously stated — as when a factory closes and the town is consequentially left without its main employer. In a second, less common sense, it means "in a manner that is significant or important", reflecting its adjective cousin "consequential", which describes things of real moment or weight. Both senses trace back to the Latin "consequentia", meaning a logical following-on. Writers should note that "consequently" is the standard and far more frequent choice for the causal sense, so "consequentially" tends to appear either deliberately — for emphasis on significance — or occasionally as a longer variant. Its formal tone suits academic writing, legal prose, and careful argumentation, where precision about cause and effect matters.
As a result; therefore.
"The road flooded overnight and was consequentially closed for two days."
Often treated as a less standard variant of 'consequently'; many editors prefer the shorter form.
In a manner that is significant or important.
"The new evidence was consequentially different from anything presented at trial."
Most people say 'consequently' — but add those three letters and you unlock a second meaning: not just 'therefore', but 'with real significance'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of consequentially
"Consequentially" derives from the adjective "consequential", formed from the noun "consequence", which entered English via Old French from the Latin "consequentia" — literally "a following after", from "con-" (together) plus "sequi" (to follow). The adverb was formed by adding the suffix "-ly" to "consequential". Its cognates include "subsequent", "sequence", and "ensue", all descendants of the same Latin root for following.
Related word forms
How consequentially is actually used
Formal register. The sense 'as a result' is widely considered a less standard variant of 'consequently', and style guides often prefer 'consequently'. The sense 'in an important or significant manner' (parallel to 'consequential') is well attested but also relatively uncommon.
Easily confused with consequentially
'Consequently' is the standard, far more common adverb meaning 'as a result', while 'consequentially' is a rarer variant that can also mean 'in a significant or important manner'.