Consume: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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