result
Definitions
A thing that happens or exists because of something else; an outcome.
结果，成果。
The final score, mark, or outcome of a game, test, or election.
（比赛、考试、选举的）成绩，结果。
To happen or occur because of something (result from).
由……产生，因……而发生（result from）。
To cause something to happen (result in).
导致，造成（result in）。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedre- (back) + sult (leap, from Latin salīre) = to leap back. A result is the effect that springs back out of a cause. The vivid 'leaping' image has worn down to a plain word for outcome.
Root sult still carries 9 more wordsWhy It Means This
Result hides a leap. From Latin 'to leap back,' it pictures the effect bouncing out of its cause and springing toward you. That is why a result always points backward to whatever produced it — and why the two verb patterns split the direction: X results in Y (cause looking forward), Y results from X (effect looking back).
Usage Guide
Mind the prepositions: 'result in' = lead to / cause (the crash resulted in delays); 'result from' = be caused by (the delays resulted from the crash). Swapping them reverses cause and effect.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The experiment produced surprising results.
- 2.
Poor planning resulted in a missed deadline.
- 3.
Most accidents result from carelessness.
- 4.
We won't know the election results until midnight.
Easily Confused
result vs consequence vs outcome — result is the neutral, general word; consequence stresses what follows (often negative: face the consequences); outcome is the final state after a process (the outcome of negotiations). A result can be immediate; an outcome is where things end up.