Repercussions Meaning and Definition
Repercussions
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
Consequences or effects that follow a particular event, action, or decision; the impact or outcome of something.
Examples
- The company’s decision to downsize had severe repercussions for the employees.
- The natural disaster had long-lasting repercussions for the environment.
Synonyms
- Consequences
- Effects
- Aftermath
Antonyms
- Benefits
- Positive outcomes
Etymology
The word “repercussions” originated from the Latin words “re-” meaning “again” and “percussio” meaning “stroke” or “blow”, and was first used in the 15th century to describe the effects of a blow.
Usage Notes
Repercussions can be used to describe both positive and negative consequences, although the most common usage is to describe negative effects. It’s often used in formal or technical contexts, such as in law, science, or business.
Cultural References
Repercussions has been used in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. It’s often used to describe the long-term effects of a character’s actions or decisions.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Repercussions are far-reaching
- The consequences of
Related Words or Phrases
- Impact
- Aftermath
- Outcome
Collocations
- Repercussions of a decision
- The long-term repercussions
- Unintended repercussions
Frequency of Use
Repercussions is a relatively common word in modern language, with an estimated frequency of use in formal and technical contexts.
Common Misspellings
The most common misspellings of repercussions are “reperkussons” and “repercussons”.