consultant
kuhn-SUHL-tuhnt
Consultant (noun) means a person hired for their specialist expertise or advice, usually on a temporary or independent basis. Example: “As an IT consultant, he advises small firms on their computer systems.”
noun
1
A person hired for their specialist expertise or advice, usually on a temporary or independent basis.
"As an IT consultant, he advises small firms on their computer systems."
"We brought in a consultant for a few weeks to improve our website."
"The company hired a consultant to overhaul its marketing strategy."
2
British English: a senior hospital doctor who has completed specialist training.
"The consultant explained the results of my operation to me on the ward."
"My father sees a heart consultant at the hospital every six months."
"She was referred to a consultant at the hospital for further tests."
How to use consultant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn expert brought in to advise, either in business or (in the UK) as a senior hospital doctor.
UK vs US
In the UK, "consultant" often means a senior specialist doctor — the rough equivalent of an "attending physician" in the US.
Common pairings
hire a consultant
a management consultant
see a consultant
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Word forms
- Plural
- consultants
Fill the gap
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As an IT _____, he advises small firms on their computer systems.
Etymology
From French consultant, present participle of consulter, "to consult."
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “consultant” mean?
The word “consultant” means a person hired for their specialist expertise or advice, usually on a temporary or independent basis. In plain terms, an expert brought in to advise, either in business or (in the UK) as a senior hospital doctor.
How do you pronounce “consultant”?
“Consultant” is pronounced kuhn-SUHL-tuhnt (/kənˈsʌl.tənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “consultant” in a sentence?
Here is “consultant” used in a sentence: “The company hired a consultant to overhaul its marketing strategy.”
What part of speech is “consultant”?
“Consultant” is a noun.
Where does the word “consultant” come from?
The word “consultant” comes from French. From French consultant, present participle of consulter, "to consult.".
Is “consultant” a common word?
“Consultant” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “consultant” have?
“Consultant” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person hired for their specialist expertise or advice, usually on a temporary or independent basis.
What is the difference between a "consultant" and an "advisor"?
Both give expert guidance, but a "consultant" is usually hired temporarily or independently to work on a specific project or problem, while an "advisor" often has an ongoing or more general role. Consultants are typically brought in from outside an organization for their specialist expertise.
What is the difference between a "consultant" and a "contractor"?
A "consultant" is hired mainly for expert advice and recommendations, whereas a "contractor" is usually engaged to carry out a defined piece of work or deliver a service. Consultants focus on guidance and strategy, while contractors focus on execution.
Is "consultant" a formal job title?
Yes, "consultant" is used as a formal job title in fields such as business, medicine, and technology. It signals that the person is recognized for specialist expertise, whether they work independently or within a company.
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