Consumed: meaning, definitions and examples

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consumed

[kənˈsjuːmd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in the past tense

Having used up or finished something, especially food or drink.

Synonyms

devoured, drank, eaten, ingested.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
consumed	Used in a general sense for eating, drinking, or using something completely. They consumed all the food at the party She consumed the entire book in one night
eaten	Used specifically for the act of consuming food. By the time we arrived, the cookies were mostly eaten She has not eaten breakfast yet
drank	Specifically refers to ingesting liquids. She drank a glass of water They drank wine at the celebration
devoured	Often used to describe eating something very quickly and eagerly. It can also describe a strong passion or interest for something. He devoured the steak within minutes She devoured the novel in just one day
ingested	A more technical or formal way of saying someone has taken food or drink into their body. He ingested the medicine with a sip of water Animals must ensure that the food they have ingested is safe

Examples of usage

I consumed all the cookies in the jar.
She consumed the entire bottle of water after her workout.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in a figurative sense

To absorb mentally or emotionally.

Synonyms

absorbed, devoured, engrossed, obsessed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
consumed	Best used when something is used up or eaten completely. Also used to describe someone who is fully focused on something, often in a serious or overwhelming way. She was consumed by guilt. The wildfire consumed the entire forest.
absorbed	Suitable for situations where someone is fully focused or deeply interested in an activity or thought, often in a positive manner. He was absorbed in his book and didn't hear the phone ring. She became absorbed in the new project at work.
engrossed	Best for scenarios where someone is completely focused or deeply interested in something, often to the point of ignoring other things. She was engrossed in her work and didn't notice the time. He was engrossed in the movie and didn't hear his phone ring.
obsessed	Implying a negative connotation, this word is used when someone thinks about something or someone constantly, often excessively or unhealthily. He is obsessed with his appearance. She became obsessed with the idea of perfection.
devoured	Used when eating something quickly and eagerly, often implying hunger. Can also describe reading or watching with great enthusiasm. He devoured the sandwich in seconds. She devoured the entire book in one sitting.

Examples of usage

He consumed the information from the book quickly.
The news consumed her thoughts for days.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'consume' comes from the Latin 'consumere,' meaning 'to take up completely' or to use up.
Over centuries, the meaning evolved from just 'using up' to also include 'devouring' or 'eating.'

Psychology

Research shows that people often 'consume' information differently based on their learning styles, such as visual or auditory.
The concept of being 'consumed' by thoughts or worries indicates a psychological state where one feels overwhelmed.

Culture

Modern media often critiques society's consumption habits, especially regarding fast food and consumer products.
In social media, individuals 'consume' content daily, shaping opinions and trends.

Economics

In economics, consumption refers to the use of goods and services by households, influencing market trends.
The term 'consumer' is derived from 'consume,' highlighting the role people play in driving economic growth.

Environmental Issues

High levels of consumption can lead to resource depletion and environmental concerns, such as pollution.
Sustainable consumption emphasizes the need to reduce and recycle to protect our planet.

Translations

Translations of the word "consumed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 consumido

🇮🇳 उपभोग किया गया

🇩🇪 verbraucht

🇮🇩 dikonsumsi

🇺🇦 спожитий

🇵🇱 zużyty

🇯🇵 消費された

🇫🇷 consommé

🇪🇸 consumido

🇹🇷 tüketilmiş

🇰🇷 소비된

🇸🇦 مستهلك

🇨🇿 spotřebovaný

🇸🇰 spotrebovaný

🇨🇳 消耗的

🇸🇮 porabljen

🇮🇸 neytt

🇰🇿 тұтынылған

🇬🇪 მოხმარებული

🇦🇿 istehlak edilmiş

🇲🇽 consumido

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,217, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4214 affair
4215 blame
4216 exhibition
4217 consumed
4218 actors
4219 invested
4220 regulate
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