Consuming: meaning, definitions and examples

Appropriate when talking about taking in food, drink, information, or other resources in a general sense.

• She spends her evenings consuming books from the library.
• Consuming large amounts of junk food can be harmful to your health.

A technical term used mostly in medical or scientific contexts related to taking substances into the body, typically through eating or drinking.

• Ingesting large quantities of caffeine can affect your sleep.
• The doctor advised against ingesting any food before the procedure.

Used to describe eating or consuming something rapidly and enthusiastically, often in an almost animalistic manner. Has a slightly intense or negative connotation.

• The children were devouring their ice creams before they melted.
• She was devouring every article she could find on the subject.

Best used when referring to taking in knowledge, information, or liquids through a process of assimilation or immersion.

• The sponge is great for absorbing water quickly.
• He found the lecture on quantum physics entirely absorbing.

This word is often used to describe the act of using something, especially in large quantities. It can refer to food, energy, time, or resources.

• She was consuming a lot of coffee to stay awake.
• Driving long distances is consuming a lot of fuel.

This word is appropriate when describing the use of something for a practical purpose or in an effective way. It often has a neutral or positive connotation.

• We are utilizing advanced technology to improve our products.
• She is utilizing her skills to create a successful business.

Use this word when talking about using effort, time, or money, especially in a deliberate way. It often relates to investing resources for a specific purpose or goal.

• They expended a lot of energy to complete the project on time.
• The company is expending significant funds on research and development.

This word is used to indicate a significant reduction in the quantity or availability of a resource. It often implies a negative consequence, such as scarcity.

• Overfishing is depleting the ocean's fish stocks.
• Constantly using plastic products is depleting our natural resources.

Use this word when you want to describe something that takes up a lot of time, energy, or attention. It often has a slightly negative connotation, implying that it is taking over your life in some way.

• His consuming passion for chess left little room for anything else.
• The project was consuming all her free time.

This word is best used to describe something that completely occupies your mind and attention. It’s similar to 'absorbing' but can imply being so involved that you lose track of time.

• The novel was so engrossing that I read it in one sitting.
• His engrossing tales of adventure kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

Choose this word when describing something that is extremely attractive and charming, capturing your interest or admiration effectively. It is usually used in a positive context.

• Her captivating smile lit up the room.
• The movie was captivating from start to finish.

This word is suitable for describing something that fully engages your attention and is very interesting or enjoyable. It does not usually carry a negative connotation.

• She found the book so absorbing that she couldn't put it down.
• The lecture was surprisingly absorbing.