consume
kuhn-SYOOM
Consume (verb) means to eat or drink something. Example: “Please do not consume food or drink in the laboratory.”
verb
1
To eat or drink something.
"Please do not consume food or drink in the laboratory."
"The children consumed an entire tray of sandwiches in minutes."
"Adults should consume less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day."
2
To use up a resource such as time, energy, or fuel.
"Running the heater all night will consume a lot of energy."
"Preparing the report consumed most of my weekend."
"The old refrigerator consumes far more electricity than a modern one."
3
To occupy someone's attention or emotions completely.
"Worry about the exam consumed her for the entire week."
"He was consumed by curiosity about what was inside the box."
"Jealousy began to consume him after the promotion went to someone else."
4
To destroy something completely, especially by fire.
"The wildfire consumed several acres of dry forest overnight."
"Fire consumed the old barn before anyone could call for help."
"Flames quickly consumed the abandoned warehouse."
How to use consume
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo eat, use up, or be completely absorbed by something.
Common pairings
consume energy
consume content
consumed by guilt
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- consumes
- Past tense
- consumed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Please do not _____ food or drink in the laboratory.
Etymology
From Old French consumer, from Latin consumere, "to use up," from con- ("with, together") + sumere ("to take").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for consume
See all rhymes for 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.
