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Consist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿงฉ
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consist

[kษ™nหˆsษชst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a group

To be made up or formed from a number of different elements or parts.

Synonyms

comprise, contain, embrace, include, involve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
consist

Applicable when detailing what elements or parts make up a whole.

  • The committee consists of five members
  • The dish consists of several key ingredients
comprise

Used to describe the parts that make up a whole, often in more formal writing.

  • The United States comprises 50 states
  • The forest comprises various types of trees
contain

Describes something that holds or includes elements within it; suitable for both physical and abstract things.

  • The box contains old photographs
  • The document contains confidential information
include

Suggests that something is part of a larger group or list; this word is widely used in general contexts.

  • The package includes two free tickets
  • The class will include chapters on both history and science
involve

Implied participation or the necessity of an activity within a process; often has the nuance of requiring effort or engagement.

  • The project involves several complex tasks
  • Her job involves traveling to different countries
embrace

Used metaphorically to describe acceptance or inclusion of ideas, changes, or practices; it can also describe physical holding, like a hug.

  • She embraces modern technology in her daily life
  • He embraced the new policy changes enthusiastically

Examples of usage

  • The team consists of five members.
  • Our plan consists of three main stages.
  • The committee consists of representatives from different departments.
  • The book consists of ten chapters.
  • The menu consists of a variety of dishes.
Context #2 | Verb

be composed

To be composed or made up of.

Synonyms

be composed of, be comprised of, be made up of.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
consist

Use 'consist' when referring to different elements that form a whole and focusing on the fact that these parts are integral and stable.

  • The team consists of five players.
  • His diet consists mainly of fruits and vegetables.
be made up of

Use 'be made up of' in more casual contexts when listing the parts or components of something.

  • The neighborhood is made up of families and young professionals.
  • The movie is made up of several intriguing stories.
be composed of

Use 'be composed of' when emphasizing the individual elements that make up the whole, often used in more formal contexts.

  • The committee is composed of experts from various fields.
  • Water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen.
be comprised of

Use 'be comprised of' to describe something that includes or contains different parts, often in a formal or written context.

  • The book is comprised of 20 chapters.
  • Our workforce is comprised of people from diverse backgrounds.

Examples of usage

  • The dessert consists mainly of chocolate.
  • The painting consists of bold colors.
  • The population consists predominantly of young people.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In chemistry, compounds consist of atoms bonded together, representing the different elements within a substance.
  • Ecological systems consist of biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components, illustrating complex interrelations.
  • The human body consists of various systems like the circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems, each serving distinct functions.

Literature

  • Many poems consist of stanzas, which are groups of lines often sharing a particular rhythm or theme.
  • In storytelling, plots consist of elements like characters, settings, and conflicts to create an engaging narrative.
  • Classic literature often consists of themes that examine human nature, morality, and society, providing depth to the narratives.

Philosophy

  • The idea that reality consists of both material and abstract entities is a significant topic in philosophical discussions.
  • Many philosophers argue that consciousness consists of both subjective experiences and cognitive processes affecting perception.
  • In discussions about identity, some posit that what we consist of isnโ€™t just physical traits but also memories and experiences.

Education

  • An effective lesson plan consists of clear objectives, teaching strategies, and assessments to evaluate understanding.
  • Studying effectively consists of techniques like active recall, spaced repetition, and summarization, enhancing learning.
  • Educational curricula often consist of various subjects, providing a well-rounded knowledge base for students.

Origin of 'consist'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'consistere,' which means 'to stand together.'
  • The prefix 'con-' means 'together,' while 'sist' relates to standing, showing how parts come together to form a whole.
  • It first appeared in English in the 15th century, emphasizing the idea of various elements forming a single concept.

The word 'consist' has Latin origins, coming from the Latin word 'consistere' which means 'to stand firm or still'. Over time, the word evolved to its current usage in English. The concept of things being composed of different elements has been a fundamental aspect of human understanding since ancient times, with various philosophers and scientists exploring the idea of composition and structure.

See also: consistency, consistent, consistently, inconsistency.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,899, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.