result, outcome, consequence 均有表示結果的意思,其中result最常使用,outcome通常表示無法預知的結果,例如醫療檢查的結果等等,這時也可用result,最後consequence表後果,用在負面結果的時候居多。
result (n.)
something that happens or exists because of something else
=> 因為如何,導致的結果
She died as a result of her injuries.
The road has been widened, but the result is just more traffic.
His broken leg is the direct result of his own carelessness.
election/ sports competition/ exam/ scientific experiment/ medical test
=> 選舉/運動比賽/考試/科學實驗/醫療檢察,最終的結果
They will announce the result of the vote tonight.
the election results/ the results of the local elections
the football results
I finished my exams yesterday, but I won't know/get the results until August.
the result of an experiment
Success
=> 表示成功的結果
The team needs a result to go through to the semi-finals.
The project is beginning to show results.
outcome(n.)
a result or effect of an action, situation or event
=> 事情演變的結果,強調不可預知的,待見分曉的結果(也可用result)
It's too early to predict the outcome of the meeting.
We are waiting to hear the final outcome of the negotiations.
consequence (n.)
a result of a particular action or situation, often one which is bad or not convenient
=> 後果,種什麼因得什麼果,強調必然的邏輯關聯 (語用常為負面、不好的惡果)
If you insist on eating so much, you'll have to take/suffer/face the consequences.
Two hundred people lost their jobs as a direct consequence of the merger.
(n.) importance or relevance.
=> 重要性
The money was of no consequence to Tony.
參考來源:
http://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/result_1?q=result
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/
http://bulo.hujiang.com/question/181965/
http://www.360doc.com/content/11/0510/16/6305072_115729148.shtml
Difference between “result”, “consequence”, “outcome”
來源:http://ell.stackexchange.com/questions/7263/difference-between-result-consequence-outcome
Consequence almost always carries a suggestion of something potentially or actually negative. One would not expect some one to say, "as a consequence of your work ethic over the past month, you are getting a promotion!" One does not generally want to "face the consequences" as it's not likely to be a good thing.
Result and outcome are more alike, in that there is no implied negativity.
Result is more commonly used in regular conversation, and is most appropriate in referring to what are the effects of some actions. So "the result of your diligent study was a good grade on the test."
Outcome is most commonly used in technical settings, and has a more specific meaning relating to the final observed results in a study or at the end of an observational period. For instance: "placing an IV immediately upon admittance to the ER often results in shorter ER stays, but is not necessarily correlated with positive patient outcomes based upon primary provider follow-up and patient surveys."
As another example, the result of raising prices might be higher profit margins, but the outcome of a pricing strategy may be less profit from a reduced number of sales.
Summary
When in doubt, use result because it implies the least. When you want to imply something negative, or potentially negative, use consequence. Reserve outcome for formal, technical discussions.