Definitions
Suite
The French word suite refers to a result in the sense of something that follows logically or chronologically from a previous event or action. It highlights the continuation or sequence that naturally arises from what happened before and tends to have a neutral tone when describing outcomes.
Conséquence
Conséquence denotes a consequence, emphasizing a cause-effect relationship whereby an event leads to a significant effect. It often implies an outcome with notable impact, which may be positive or negative, stressing the importance or seriousness of the result.
Usage Distinctions
When to use Suite
Use suite when describing a neutral or natural follow-up or continuation to an event, especially for sequential narrative or explanatory contexts where the result simply follows without added judgment.
When to use Conséquence
Use conséquence to emphasize the causal link and the importance or impact of an outcome, particularly when the consequences are serious or noteworthy, underscoring cause and effect.
Semantic Nuances
Result vs Impact
- Suite concerns the result as a continuation or sequence.
- Conséquence stresses the impact or effect due to causality.
Neutrality
- Suite is generally neutral, presenting outcomes without positive or negative bias.
- Conséquence often suggests evaluation, sometimes with negative connotations.
Formality and Context
- Suite fits formal/semi-formal contexts to report sequences or continuations.
- Conséquence suits formal contexts emphasizing causal importance and effects.
Examples in Sentences
- Après l’incident, la suite des événements a été imprévisible.
(After the incident, the sequence of events was unpredictable.)
— Neutral continuation of events.
- La pollution a des conséquences graves sur l’environnement.
(Pollution has serious consequences on the environment.)
— Emphasizes serious impact.
- La décision du gouvernement a eu pour suite une augmentation des taxes.
(The government’s decision resulted in a tax increase.)
— Simple factual result.
- La mauvaise gestion a eu pour conséquence la fermeture de l’entreprise.
(The mismanagement had the consequence of the company’s closure.)
— Highlights significant causal effect.
Summary
- Suite means a result or natural follow-up, neutral in tone.
- Conséquence means a cause-effect consequence, often significant or serious.
- Use suite for chronological or logical continuations without judgment.
- Use conséquence to emphasize causality and impact.
- Suite is neutral; conséquence often carries evaluative or serious implications.
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