consume
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for consume, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To eat or drink something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use consume
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French consumer, from Latin consumere, "to use up," from con- ("with, together") + sumere ("to take").
Full origin of consume →Frequently asked questions
What does “consume” mean?
The word “consume” means to eat or drink something. In plain terms, to eat, use up, or be completely absorbed by something.
How do you pronounce “consume”?
“Consume” is pronounced kuhn-SYOOM (/kənˈsum/ in IPA).
How do you use “consume” in a sentence?
Here is “consume” used in a sentence: “Adults should consume less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day.”
What part of speech is “consume”?
“Consume” is a verb.
Where does the word “consume” come from?
The word “consume” comes from Latin. From Old French consumer, from Latin consumere, "to use up," from con- ("with, together") + sumere ("to take").
Is “consume” a common word?
“Consume” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “consume” have?
“Consume” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to eat or drink something.
What is the difference between consume and eat?
Eat refers specifically to taking in food. Consume is broader and more formal: it can mean to eat or to drink, but it also means to use something up or to destroy it entirely.
What is the difference between consume and use?
Use means to employ something for a purpose, and the thing may still remain afterwards. Consume implies using something up so that it is reduced or gone, as in consuming fuel, time, or energy.
How is 'consumed by' used to describe emotions?
When someone is described as 'consumed by' an emotion such as guilt, jealousy, or grief, it means the feeling occupies their attention and emotions completely. It suggests being so overwhelmed that little else matters.
What is the difference between consume and devour?
Both can mean to eat, but devour suggests eating quickly and hungrily. Consume is more neutral and formal, and it also carries meanings of using up or destroying that devour does not.