consist
gb/kˈɑnsɪst/ us/kˈɑnsɪst/
B1
English
~ 1700
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
state
1
Be made up of parts
To be made from certain parts or things.
Usage pattern:
[something] consists of [parts or elements]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'consist of' with 'compose' and incorrectly say 'consist' without 'of'. The correct form is usually 'consist of'.
Synonyms
comprise (Slightly more formal; often used interchangeably but can differ in grammar.)
|
be composed of (More formal phrase with the same meaning.)
Antonyms
lack (Means to not have the parts or elements in question.)
Collocations
consist mainly of
|consist entirely of
|consist partly of
Themes
structure
|description
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The committee consists of ten members.
- His diet consists mainly of vegetables and grains.
- The team consists of players from different countries.
- The novel consists of three main sections.
- The package consists of several small boxes.
Learner examples
- My lunch consists of rice and fish.
- The class consists of twenty students.
- The bag consists of three smaller bags.
- Our group consists of five people.
Verb
formal
B2
state
2
Have as essential feature
To have something as the main part or idea.
Usage pattern:
[something] consists in [main feature]
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse 'consist in' with 'consist of'. 'Consist in' is used for stating the main idea, not listing parts.
Synonyms
lie in (More informal; used for explaining what the main part is.)
Antonyms
exclude (Means to leave out an essential part.)
Collocations
consist in the fact that
|consist chiefly in
Themes
philosophy
|definition
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- True happiness consists in enjoying the present moment.
- The beauty of the game consists in its simplicity.
- Success often consists in being prepared for opportunities.
- Wisdom consists in knowing your own limits.
Learner examples
- Good teaching consists in helping students think.
- Real friendship consists in trust and respect.
- Success consists in working hard every day.
Grammar
Dictionary form
consist
IPA
GB/kˈɑnsɪst/
US/kˈɑnsɪst/
Syllables & stress
con - sist (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (con)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: consist
- 3rd Person Singular: consists
- Present Participle: consisting
- Past: consisted
Word family
Forms
consists
verb
consisting
verb
consisted
verb
Core family
Negative and opposite forms
Expressions
consist in
1/kˈɑnsɪst ˈɪn/
fixed phrase
formal
Have as essential feature
To have something as the most important part or idea.
Examples
- Good leadership consists in making fair decisions.
- The charm of the village consists in its peaceful atmosphere.
consist of
1/kˈɑnsɪst əv/
fixed phrase
Be made up of parts
To be made from certain parts or things.
Examples
- This salad consists of lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
- The class consists of twenty-five students.