Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Consumptive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💸
Add to dictionary

consumptive

[kənˈsʌm(p)tɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

medical

Relating to or affected with consumption, especially pulmonary tuberculosis.

Synonyms

pulmonary, tubercular.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
consumptive

This word was commonly used in the past to refer to people suffering from tuberculosis, a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs. It's considered outdated and potentially offensive in modern usage.

  • The novel tells a tragic story of a consumptive artist in the 19th century.
  • In those days, consumptive patients were often sent to sanatoriums.
tubercular

This adjective specifically relates to tuberculosis, used in medical and scientific contexts to describe symptoms, conditions, or patients affected by the disease.

  • The doctor noted tubercular lesions on the patient's X-ray.
  • Historical records show a high number of tubercular cases in industrial cities.
pulmonary

This term is a medical adjective describing anything related to the lungs, often used in clinical and scientific contexts.

  • The patient was diagnosed with a severe pulmonary infection.
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation can significantly improve the quality of life for many individuals with chronic lung diseases.

Examples of usage

  • He was diagnosed with consumptive illness.
  • The consumptive patient required constant care.
  • The consumptive nature of the disease was evident in his symptoms.
Context #2 | Adjective

archaic

Wasteful or extravagant in the use of resources.

Synonyms

extravagant, wasteful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
consumptive

This word is used to describe someone who suffers from tuberculosis. It can also be used to describe something that consumes or uses up resources, usually in a destructive or excessive way. It may carry a more technical or old-fashioned tone.

  • In the 19th century, many consumptive individuals were sent to sanatoriums.
  • The consumptive nature of this machine worries environmentalists.
wasteful

Use this word when emphasizing the unnecessary or careless use of resources, money, or energy. It carries a negative connotation and is often used to criticize poor management or overuse.

  • Leaving the lights on all night is very wasteful.
  • The company's wasteful spending habits were unsustainable.
extravagant

This word should be used when talking about spending too much money or using too many resources, often in a way that seems wasteful or luxurious. It implies a sense of excess and is usually associated with negative implications.

  • Her extravagant lifestyle eventually led her into debt.
  • They threw an extravagant party that cost a fortune.

Examples of usage

  • His consumptive habits led to financial trouble.
  • The company's consumptive spending ultimately resulted in bankruptcy.

Translations

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

Origin of 'consumptive'

The word 'consumptive' originated from the Latin word 'consumptivus', meaning 'wasting away'. It was first used in the medical context to describe patients suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis, a disease that causes wasting of the body. Over time, the term also came to be associated with wasteful or extravagant behavior, reflecting the idea of resources being 'consumed' excessively. The dual usage of 'consumptive' showcases its evolution from a medical term to a more general descriptor of excessive consumption or expenditure.

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

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,233, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.