consummate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, literary, legal, business
Quick answer
What does “consummate” mean?
To complete or make perfect.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To complete or make perfect; to bring to the highest point of development or quality.
As an adjective: supremely skilled, perfect, or complete; as a verb: to complete a marriage by sexual intercourse; to perfect or bring to completion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Stress patterns may vary slightly in pronunciation.
Connotations
In both varieties, the adjective connotes the highest possible degree of skill or quality. The verb connotes formal completion, often of an agreement, relationship, or project.
Frequency
Slightly more common in formal written contexts than everyday speech in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “consummate” in a Sentence
consummate (verb) + object (e.g., a deal, a marriage)consummate (adjective) + noun (e.g., professional, skill)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “consummate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They will consummate the merger by signing the final documents tomorrow.
- The couple decided to consummate their marriage that evening.
American English
- The lawyers worked late to consummate the acquisition before the deadline.
- It took years of practice to consummate his technique.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe a perfectly executed deal or a supremely skilled professional.
Academic
Used in literary or philosophical analysis to describe perfect examples or complete states.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; appears in more formal praise or descriptions of high skill.
Technical
In legal contexts, refers to finalizing contracts or marriages.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “consummate”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “consummate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “consummate”
- Incorrect stress: pronouncing the adjective with the verb's stress (or vice versa).
- Using the adjective to mean 'very good' rather than 'supremely skilled'.
- Confusing with 'consume'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is more commonly used as an adjective (e.g., a consummate professional) than as a verb in modern English.
The adjective is typically pronounced with stress on the first syllable (/ˈkɒnsəmət/ or /ˈkɑːnsəmət/). The verb is typically pronounced with stress on the first syllable but has a distinct final vowel sound (/ˈkɒnsəmeɪt/ or /ˈkɑːnsəmeɪt/).
Yes, though less common. It can be used ironically or negatively, as in 'a consummate liar', meaning someone who is supremely skilled at deception.
No, it is quite rare and formal. 'Perfectly', 'superbly', or 'expertly' are more common alternatives.
To complete or make perfect.
Consummate is usually formal, literary, legal, business in register.
Consummate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒnsəmət/ (adjective), /ˈkɒnsəmeɪt/ (verb), and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːnsəmət/ (adjective), /ˈkɑːnsəmeɪt/ (verb). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A consummate professional”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CONSUMMATE' as 'CON' (with) + 'SUMMIT' (peak) – bringing something to its highest peak or summit.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERFECTION IS COMPLETENESS; SKILL IS ACHIEVING THE HIGHEST POINT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'consummate' as a verb?