What Does Subsequent Mean?

The word ‘subsequent’ has two primary meanings. Understand both of them and how they’re used to make sure you’re using the word correctly.

What Subsequent Means

The most common definition of the word ‘subsequent’ is something that occurs or comes after something else in time. It can be used to talk about events that follow in sequence or to describe certain items in a list. For example, if you list five events, the fifth event would be the ‘subsequent’ one.

This definition also implies that there’s a direct relationship between the first event and the consequent one. It’s not just something random or unrelated happening. For example, if someone says that they got a promotion after taking a course, the promotion is the subsequent event. The course was the first event that lead to the promotion, and there is a direct connection between the two.

In Politics

Subsequent has a second meaning that’s commonly used in politics or law. In this context, the word ‘subsequent’ means something that follows or succeeds, usually in terms of policy decisions or laws. It can also refer to the process of updating or amending a law.

For example, if a law is amended a few months later, the amended version can be referred to as the ‘subsequent’ law. It follows the original law that was passed and improves upon it.

In addition, the term ‘subsequent’ can also be used in the context of a policy decision that is made to support an existing policy. It can be related to a decision made immediately after another decision, or it can be made over a longer period of time.

For instance, if a company develops a policy on customer service, subsequent decisions may be made regarding training, hiring, and compensation that are related to the customer service policy.

Conclusion

Subsequent has two primary meanings. The first is something that occurs or comes after something else in time. The second has a specific political or legal meaning and refers to something that follows or succeeds the original decision or law. Understanding when and how to use the word ‘subsequent’ correctly will help you get the point across in any conversation or written communication you’re having.