The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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consume

verb

/kənˈsum/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of consume

To ingest or use something, typically in the context of food, drink, or resources.
"The forest fires consume acres of land, leaving devastation in their wake."

Detailed meaning of consume

When one consumes, they take in or utilize a substance or item to fulfill a physical need or desire. It can involve eating, drinking, or absorbing nutrients for sustenance and nourishment. Additionally, "consume" can extend beyond the realm of nutrition to encompass the utilization or depletion of resources, such as energy, time, or materials. It implies the act of using up or expending something, often to the point of depletion or exhaustion. In a broader sense, "consume" can also refer to the process of mentally or emotionally absorbing information, ideas, or experiences, as in consuming literature or media. Overall, the verb "consume" entails the act of using or depleting something, whether it be physical substances, resources, or immaterial elements, in order to fulfill a need or desire.

Example sentences containing consume

1. When we dine out, we consume more calories than we realize.
2. These energy-efficient appliances consume less electricity, saving us money in the long run.
3. Be careful not to consume more caffeine than your body can handle.
4. Many teenagers consume large amounts of fast food, which can lead to health issues.
5. Her passion for art seemed to consume her every waking moment.
6. The parasitic plants consume nutrients from their host.

History and etymology of consume

The verb 'consume' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'consumere,' which is a combination of 'con-' meaning 'altogether' and 'sumere' meaning 'to take' or 'to use.' This etymology effectively conveys the essence of 'consume' as the act of taking or using something altogether, whether it be food, drink, or resources. It implies a process of utilization or depletion, where something is taken in and transformed, often for nourishment or energy. The term 'consume' maintains its etymological connection to the concept of taking and using, highlighting the role of this verb in the context of human sustenance and resource management.

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Further usage examples of consume

1. They consume the daily news with great interest, always staying informed.
2. Don't let your worries consume your peace of mind.
3. In the ecosystem, predators consume their prey to maintain the balance of nature.
4. To stay hydrated, you must consume at least eight glasses of water daily.
5. You need to consume less sugar and focus more on balanced nutrition.
6. She couldn't allow her anger to consume her; it wouldn't solve anything.
7. The upcoming festival will consume a lot of the city's resources.
8. We consume too much and waste even more, creating an unsustainable lifestyle.
9. Many vehicles consume large quantities of gas, contributing to pollution.
10. The invasive species began to consume the local plants, causing an imbalance.
11. People often consume media without critically evaluating its content.
12. The increasing urbanization continues to consume fertile farmlands.
13. To fuel our body for workouts, we must consume a good amount of protein.
14. She decided to consume a hearty breakfast before the big race.
15. The wildfire threatened to consume the entire forest.
16. In the summer heat, they eagerly consumed icy cold lemonade.
17. The factory's smokestacks continued to consume fossil fuels.
18. He couldn't resist the urge to consume the delicious chocolate cake.
19. The voracious reader could consume a novel in a single day.
20. The athletes needed to consume extra calories to fuel their workouts.
21. The virus could rapidly consume the body's energy and strength.
22. The city's population began to consume more water during the drought.
23. They watched in awe as the tornado seemed to consume everything in its path.
24. The demand for smartphones continues to consume vast amounts of resources.