ramification

Everyday

1. (formal) A result or consequence of an action or decision, often one that is complicated or not expected. tree →
2. (formal) A branch, or one of many branches of something, like a tree or river. tree →

In the lessons

In ethics and history lessons: thinking about the ramifications of a choice means thinking about all the results, near and far. In the news: the ramifications of a new law. Formal word, seen in exam and adult writing.

Examples

• We need to think about the ramifications of this decision. tree →
• The war had ramifications all over the world. tree →
• Cutting down the forest had serious ramifications for the animals. tree →
• Toad never considered the ramifications of his wild driving. tree →
• The ramifications of the new rule were not clear. tree →
• Every lie has ramifications. tree →

Note

Usually in the plural: ramifications. Formal: in everyday talk say «results» or «consequences». From Latin «ramus», a branch.