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Consign Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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consign

[kənˈsaɪn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal shipping

To consign means to hand over goods to another party for the purpose of sale. This process typically involves transferring the ownership of the goods, but the original owner retains certain rights until the goods are sold. In a business context, consigning items is often used by retailers who do not own the products but display them for sale. The terms of the consignment are usually defined in a contract. This practice is common in industries such as art galleries, bookstores, and certain fashion boutiques.

Synonyms

delegate, deliver, entrust.

Examples of usage

  • She decided to consign her artwork to the local gallery.
  • He consigned the vintage car to a specialized dealer.
  • The store allows customers to consign their unwanted items for resale.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Business

  • In retail, consignment often means an arrangement where goods are given to a seller, who only pays the owner after selling them.
  • This practice helps entrepreneurs reduce upfront inventory costs and minimize risks in sales.
  • Consignment shops thrive on second-hand goods, allowing sellers to reach a broader audience without direct sales efforts.

Legal

  • In legal terms, consigning can refer to transferring ownership of property or documents via a formal process.
  • It often involves a contract detailing the responsibilities of both the consignor and consignee.
  • Consignment agreements are used in various fields, from real estate to freight transport.

Cultural Context

  • Many cultures have markets where individuals consign items, promoting recycling and reuse.
  • Art galleries sometimes hold exhibitions where artists consign their works for a period, allowing broader exposure.
  • The concept of consigning also appears in literature to discuss themes of trust and delegation among characters.

Psychology

  • The act of consigning goods can involve trust, reflecting one's willingness to delegate responsibility to others.
  • In therapy, the idea of consigning feelings or burdens is sometimes discussed to encourage sharing and support.
  • Trusting others with possessions or feelings can lead to stronger social bonds and reduce anxiety.

Origin of 'consign'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'consignare,' which means 'to seal together' or 'to sign together.'
  • It entered the English language in the late 16th century, originally used in shipping and trade contexts.
  • The prefix 'con-' means 'together' or 'with,' while 'sign' refers to marking or writing.

The word 'consign' originates from the Latin term 'consignare', which means 'to mark' or 'to sign'. It is composed of the prefix 'con-', meaning 'together', and 'signare', which means 'to sign'. This term entered Middle English around the 14th century as 'consigne', reflecting its evolution through French before being fully adopted into English. Initially, it emphasized the act of marking or identifying goods for shipment. Over the centuries, the definition expanded to encompass the broader notion of transferring goods to another party for sale, retaining a connection to its original meaning related to signing or marking.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,689, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.