consternate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Literary/Formal)Formal, Literary, Academic
Quick answer
What does “consternate” mean?
To cause someone to feel overwhelming dismay, alarm, or confusion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To cause someone to feel overwhelming dismay, alarm, or confusion.
A somewhat formal or literary verb for causing profound emotional disturbance, typically through shock or a bewildering event. It implies a state of paralyzing fear or confusion rather than simple worry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly archaic, formal, perhaps more likely encountered in written prose than speech.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects. The noun 'consternation' is far more prevalent.
Grammar
How to Use “consternate” in a Sentence
[Event/News] consternated [Person/Group].[Person/Group] was consternated by [Event/News].It consternated [Person/Group] that...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “consternate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The judge's unusual ruling consternated the barristers.
- Such blatant corruption would consternate any right-minded citizen.
American English
- The poll results consternated the campaign team.
- His abrupt resignation consternated the entire department.
adverb
British English
- He looked around consternatedly, seeking an explanation.
- She shook her head consternatedly at the news.
American English
- The committee members stared consternatedly at the budget shortfall.
- He muttered consternatedly under his breath.
adjective
British English
- She wore a look of consternated bewilderment.
- The consternated villagers gathered in the square.
American English
- His consternated expression said it all.
- The CEO addressed the consternated shareholders.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The sudden regulatory change consternated the entire board.'
Academic
Used in historical or literary analysis. 'The proclamation consternated the peasantry, leading to unrest.'
Everyday
Very rare. Usually replaced by 'shocked', 'upset', or 'confused'.
Technical
Virtually unused.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “consternate”
- Using it as a synonym for 'anger' or 'annoy'. It's closer to 'dismay'.
- Using it intransitively (e.g., 'He consternated' is wrong). It requires an object.
- Overusing it; 'shock' or 'dismay' are often more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is quite rare and formal. The noun 'consternation' is far more commonly used.
Not precisely. It implies a stronger, more dismaying, or confusing shock rather than mild irritation.
Both involve confusion, but 'consternate' strongly includes an element of alarm or dismay, while 'perplex' focuses more on puzzlement.
Yes, though rare. It describes someone who is filled with consternation (e.g., 'a consternated look').
To cause someone to feel overwhelming dismay, alarm, or confusion.
Consternate is usually formal, literary, academic in register.
Consternate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒn.stə.neɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːn.stɚ.neɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not commonly used in idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CONSTERNation' as the noun (the feeling). To 'consternATE' is to CAUSE that feeling.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONFUSION/ALARM IS A PHYSICAL BLOW OR AGITATION (e.g., 'stunned', 'knocked for a loop').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'consternate' correctly?