Consist: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.