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Consume Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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consume

[kənˈsjuːm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

food

To consume means to eat or drink something. It also refers to the act of using up a resource or material.

Synonyms

devour, drink, eat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
consume

Good for general use when referring to eating, drinking, or using resources. It can be used in both formal and informal situations.

  • Humans consume a lot of resources every day.
  • She decided to consume a healthy breakfast before work.
eat

Commonly used to refer to the act of consuming solid food. It is suitable for both casual and formal conversations.

  • We usually eat dinner at 7 PM.
  • You should eat more vegetables to stay healthy.
drink

Specifically refers to the act of consuming liquids. It is appropriate in all levels of formality.

  • He likes to drink coffee every morning.
  • Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day.
devour

Best used when you want to emphasize that someone is eating very quickly or with great eagerness. It often has a somewhat intense or even ferocious connotation.

  • He devoured the entire pizza in just a few minutes.
  • She devoured the novel in one sitting.

Examples of usage

  • The children consumed all the cookies in the jar.
  • The fire consumed the entire forest in a matter of hours.
Context #2 | Verb

information

To consume can also mean to absorb or take in information or knowledge.

Synonyms

absorb, learn, take in.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
consume

Use when talking about eating or drinking something, or using something up completely.

  • He can consume a whole pizza by himself
  • This engine consumes a lot of fuel
absorb

Use when talking about soaking up liquid, information, or impact. Often implies taking in something fully and completely.

  • The sponge can absorb a lot of water
  • She has the ability to absorb complex information quickly
take in

Use when receiving information, sights, or experiences. It can also mean to make something smaller (e.g. clothes).

  • There was so much to take in at the science museum
  • She had to take in her dress because it was too loose
learn

Use when acquiring knowledge or skills through study, experience, or teaching.

  • She is trying to learn Spanish
  • He learned to play the guitar in just six months

Examples of usage

  • Students need to consume a lot of information before the exam.
  • She consumes news articles every morning.

Translations

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

Origin of 'consume'

The word 'consume' comes from the Latin word 'consumere', which means 'to use up'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. Originally, it was associated with the idea of destruction or annihilation, but over time, its meaning evolved to include the idea of using or taking in something.

See also: consumable, consumed, consumer, consumerism, consumers, consuming, consummation, consumption, consumptive.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,656 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.