Consumptive: meaning, definitions and examples

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consumptive

[ kənˈsʌm(p)tɪv ]

^{Context #1}

medical

Relating to or affected with consumption, especially pulmonary tuberculosis.

Synonyms

pulmonary, tubercular

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}

archaic

Wasteful or extravagant in the use of resources.

Synonyms

extravagant, wasteful

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "consumptive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 consuntivo

🇮🇳 क्षय रोगी

🇩🇪 konsumierend

🇮🇩 konsumtif

🇺🇦 споживчий

🇵🇱 konsumpcyjny

🇯🇵 消費的

🇫🇷 consomptif

🇪🇸 consuntivo

🇹🇷 tüketici

🇰🇷 소모성의

🇸🇦 استهلاكي

🇨🇿 spotřební

🇸🇰 spotrebný

🇨🇳 消耗性的

🇸🇮 potrošniški

🇮🇸 neyslu

🇰🇿 тұтынушылық

🇬🇪 მომხმარებლური

🇦🇿 istehlakçı

🇲🇽 consuntivo

Word origin

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.