Definition of 'consist'

Word Frequency

consist

(kənsɪst )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense consists , present participle consisting , past tense, past participle consisted

1. verb

Something that consists of particular things or people is formed from them.

Breakfast consisted of porridge served with butter. [VERB + of]

Her crew consisted of children from Devon and Cornwall. [V of n/-ing]

2. verb

Something that consists in something else has that thing as its main or only part.

His work consisted in advising companies on the siting of new factories. [VERB + in]

...Baudelaire's idea that genius consists in the ability to summon up childhood. [V in n/-ing]

Video: pronunciation of 'consist'

Word Frequency

consist in British

(kənˈsɪst )

verb (intransitive)

1. (foll by of)

to be composed (of); be formed (of)

syrup consists of sugar and water

2. (foll by in or of)

to have its existence (in); lie (in); be expressed (by)

his religion consists only in going to church

to be compatible or consistent; accord

Word origin of 'consist'

C16: from Latin consistere to halt, stand firm, from sistere to stand, cause to stand; related to stāre to stand

Word Frequency

consist in American

(kənˈsɪst ; kənsistˈ)

verb intransitive

to be formed or composed (of)

water consists of hydrogen and oxygen

to be contained or inherent (in something) as a cause, effect, or characteristic

wisdom does not consist only in knowing facts

to exist in harmony (with); be consistent (with)

to be characterized (by something); have its existence (in)

her “culture” consists merely in watching television

5. Archaic

to hold together or be held together; exist (usually by some means or agent)

Word origin of 'consist'

L consistere, to stand together < com-, together + sistere, to place, caus. of stare, to stand

Example sentences containing 'consist'

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Treatment consists of a series of lessons to help you learn to hold yourself correctly. Westcott, Patsy Alternative Health Care for Women (1991)Iran did not specify what the work would consist of. Times, Sunday Times (2006)Those that we are mainly interested in each consist of two atoms linked together. Youngson, Dr. Robert The Antioxidant Health Plan (1994)The walls seemed to consist almost entirely of vast glazed surfaces. Adam Nicolson GOD'S SECRETARIES: The Making of the King James Bible (2003)His work consists in the dissolution of the religious world into its secular basis. Greeley, Andrew M. Sociology and Religion: A Collection of Readings (1995)The whole consists both of parts and their relationship to one another. Bee, Helen The Developing Child (7th edn.) (1995)It consists entirely in the right exercise of the powers of nature. Christianity Today (2000)The external walls of many houses consist of two layers with a gap between them. Times, Sunday Times (2008)It consists of two mutually contradictory impulses. Times, Sunday Times (2014)It consists of a series of gentle exercises in body awareness and physical relaxation that are easily learned. de Jong, Eveline Alternative Health Care for Children (1989)My life usually consists of working fulltime and looking after my ten-year-old son. The Sun (2014)Most importantly, our family entertainment consists entirely of surfing and the beach. The Sun (2015)It consisted of two pods and a main sleeping area - it was perfect. The Sun (2016)Her output was extensive despite consisting of a series of major works not only large in size but calling for intensive research into sheer technicalities. Times, Sunday Times (2014)The hotel consists of a series of stone buildings, with the main structure at the front being the old farmhouse. Times, Sunday Times (2012)Grandcourt's importance as a subject of this realm was of the grandly passive kind which consists in the inheritance of land. George Eliot Daniel Deronda (1876)A computer consists of many part. Chapman, C. & Horsley, M. & Small, E. Technology Basic Facts (1990)The work previously consisted of a limited set of standardized tasks and workers were told which machine to work on and the time allowed for the job. Torrington, Derek Personnel Management: A New Approach (1991)My exercise routine consists of resistance work, which is especially useful as I get older. Times, Sunday Times (2011)

Trends of 'consist'

Very Common. consist is one of the 4000 most commonly used words in the Collins dictionary

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Translations for 'consist'

British English: consist VERB

to consist of sth | to consist of doing sth Something that consists of particular things or people is formed from them.

Breakfast consisted of porridge and toast.

American English: consist
Brazilian Portuguese: consistir
Chinese: 以… 为主要组成部分
European Spanish: consistir
French: consister
German: bestehen aus
Italian: consistere
Japanese: 構成される
Korean: ~으로 구성되다
European Portuguese: consistir
Spanish: consistir

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Nearby words of 'consist'

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Definition of consist from the Collins English Dictionary

Modal verbs

Modal verbs are a particular kind of auxiliary. Look, I can do it!– Oh yes! So you can. Can I use your phone?– Of course you can. Do you think she will come?– I’m sure she will. I must ...