| 释义 |
inconsequence|ɪnˈkɒnsɪkwəns|
[ad. L. inconsequentia (Quintil.), f. inconsequent-em inconsequent. So F. inconséquence (17th c. in Hatz.-Darm.).]
The fact or quality of being inconsequent; an instance of this.
1. Want of logical sequence; the character of an inference that does not follow from the premisses, or of an argument involving such an inference; inconclusiveness, illogicalness.
1588Fraunce Lawiers Log. i. ii. 7 b, Syllogismes are the true and onely rules of consequence and inconsequence. 1653Gataker Vind. Annot. Jer. 174 Mr. S. himself could not but see the inconsequence of his own argument. 1764Hurd Let. to Dr. Leland (R.), Strange! that you should not see the inconsequence of your own reasoning. 1862Sat. Rev. 18 Mar. 298 With a ludicrous inconsequence it labours to establish a necessary connexion between the mere consolidation of grants and efficiency in fundamental instruction.
b. (with pl.) An instance of this; a conclusion that does not follow from the premisses; an illogical inference or piece of reasoning.
1605Bacon Adv. Learn. ii. xviii. §2 Men are vndermined by Inconsequences. 1656Hobbes Quest. Lib., Necess. & Chance Wks. 1841 V. 425 And from will work to doth work upon absolute necessity, is another gross inconsequence. 1828W. Sewell Oxf. Prize Ess. 42 We cannot, without a gross inconsequence, deny them a proportionate result.
2. Want of sequence or natural connexion of ideas, actions, or events; irrelevance; disconnexion, inconsecutiveness; an instance of this, an irrelevant action or circumstance.
1842Poe Marie Roget Wks. 1864 I. 232 The whole of this paragraph must now appear a tissue of inconsequence and incoherence. 1846― N. P. Willis Wks. 1864 III. 33 The plot was a tissue of absurdities, inconsequences and inconsistencies. 1865Merivale Rom. Emp. lxiii. VIII. 16 The inconsequence of the proceeding might easily be overlooked.
3. As a quality of persons, their thought, or action:
a. The practice or habit of drawing inconsequent inferences; illogicalness of reasoning.
b. The practice or habit of speaking or acting disconnectedly or without sequence.
1817Coleridge Biog. Lit. 104 That fortunate inconsequence of our nature which permits the heart to rectify the errors of the understanding. 1856Mrs. Browning Aur. Leigh vi. 13 For what is lightness but inconsequence, Vague fluctuation 'twixt effect and cause Compelled by neither? 1876Geo. Eliot Dan. Der. xxxviii, That mingling of inconsequence which belongs to us all, and not unhappily, since it saves us from many effects of mistake.
†4. The being of no consequence or importance.
1759Compl. Letter-writer (ed. 6) 218 My extreme inconsequence, and the little I can say. 1812J. J. Henry Camp. agst. Quebec 80 Being without arms, and in an unknown country, my inconsequence, and futileness lay heavy on my spirits. |