Definition of 'consort'

Word Frequency

consort

Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular present tense consorts, present participle consorting , past tense, past participle consorted pronunciation note: The verb is pronounced (kənsɔːʳt ). The noun is pronounced (kɒnsɔːʳt ).

1. verb

If you say that someone consorts with a particular person or group, you mean that they spend a lot of time with them, and usually that you do not think this is a good thing.

[formal, disapproval]

He regularly consorted with known drug-dealers. [VERB + with]

Synonyms: associate with, mix with, mingle with, hang with [informal, mainly US] More Synonyms of consort

2. countable noun & title noun [oft noun NOUN]

The ruling monarch's wife or husband is called their consort.

At tea-time, Victoria sang duets with her Consort, Prince Albert.

She was surely the most distinguished queen consort we have had.

3. countable noun

A consort of musicians or instruments is a group of them

[formal]

The Sinfonietta shares the stage with a consort of viols.

More Synonyms of consort

See related content

Synonyms of "consort"

French Translation of "consort"

Translator

Pronunciation Playlists

Word of the day : rösti

NEW from Collins!

Easy Learning English Grammar

Word Frequency

consort in British

verb (kənˈsɔːt )

1. (intransitive; usually foll by with)

to keep company (with undesirable people); associate

2. (intransitive)

to agree or harmonize

3. (transitive) rare

to combine or unite

noun (ˈkɒnsɔːt )

4. (esp formerly)

a small group of instruments, either of the same type, such as viols, (a whole consort) or of different types (a broken consort)

(as modifier)

consort music

the husband or wife of a reigning monarch

a partner or companion, esp a husband or wife

a ship that escorts another

8. obsolete

companionship or association

agreement or accord

Derived forms

consortable (conˈsortable)

adjective

consorter (conˈsorter)

noun

Word origin of 'consort'

C15: from Old French, from Latin consors sharer, partner, from sors lot, fate, portion

Word Frequency

consort in American

(ˈkɑnˌsɔrt ; for v. kənˈsɔrt )

noun

1. Obsolete

a partner; companion

a wife or husband; spouse, esp. of a reigning king or queen

a ship that travels along with another

4. Rare

association; fellowship; company

agreement; accord

a 17th-cent. English chamber music ensemble, sometimes including vocalists

the music composed for such an ensemble

verb intransitive

to keep company or associate (with someone, esp. someone considered objectionable, undesirable, etc.)

consorting with thieves

to be in harmony or agreement; be in accord

verb transitive Obsolete

to associate; join

usually reflexive

to accompany or escort

Word origin of 'consort'

OFr < L consors (gen. consortis), partner, neighbor < com-, with + sors, a share, lot: see sort; (sense 4) OFr consorte < L consortium, community of goods < consors

Example sentences containing 'consort'

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…

Sometimes it has been the royal consort who has led the way. Times, Sunday Times (2007)One of the virtues of being a royal consort rather than a politician is that you are not obliged to chase ratings. Times, Sunday Times (2011)In royal life the consort has a great deal to put up with, playing second fiddle. Times, Sunday Times (2012)The readiness he sometimes showed to support the cause of a foreign suitor certainly suggests that his own expectations of becoming a royal consort were modest. Times, Sunday Times (2007)But the Duke has not been consort to the monarch for more than half a century without learning a thing or two. Times, Sunday Times (2009)It is the first time a reigning monarch and consort have appeared on opposite sides of a UK coin. The Sun (2011)It is too her credit that she has made her role as the Prince 's consort her own. The Sun (2006)

Trends of 'consort'

Used Occasionally. consort is one of the 30000 most commonly used words in the Collins dictionary

View usage for:

Translations for 'consort'

British English: consort VERB

to consort with sb If you say that someone consorts with a particular person or group, you mean that they spend a lot of time with them, and usually that you do not think this is a good thing.

He had been recalled for consorting with revolutionaries.