posljedica

Posljedica is a noun used in Croatian, Bosnian, Serbian, and Montenegrin to denote the result or effect of a preceding cause or action. In English, it corresponds to words such as consequence, outcome, or effect. The plural form is posljedice.

The term is derived from Slavic roots meaning to come after or to follow, reflecting the idea of what follows a cause. It can refer to a wide range of results, from immediate effects to long‑term outcomes, and to both positive and negative results. In everyday language, people speak of the consequences of decisions, policies, or events.

In formal and academic contexts, posljedica often translates to logical consequence in philosophy and logic, causal consequences in science, or legal consequences in law. It is also used in ethical discussions, particularly in relation to consequentialism, which evaluates actions by their outcomes. The word remains neutral in tone and does not inherently judge whether the result is good or bad; the assessment depends on context and perspective.

The concept is frequently invoked in risk assessment, policy analysis, and planning, where potential consequences are identified, weighed, and managed. While closely tied to the cause of an event, posljedica emphasizes what follows from that cause and helps frame discussions about responsibility, accountability, and future implications.