consist

[ verb kuhn-sist; noun kon-sist ]

verb (used without object)

1. to be made up or composed (usually followed by of ):

   This cake consists mainly of sugar, flour, and butter.

2. to be comprised or contained (usually followed by in ):

   Her charm does not consist only in her beauty.

3. Archaic. to exist together or be capable of existing together.
4. Obsolete. to insist; urge.

noun

1. Railroads.
   1. the rolling stock, exclusive of the locomotive, making up a train.
   2. a record made of this rolling stock.

consist

/ kənˈsɪst /

verb

1. foll by of to be composed (of); be formed (of)

   syrup consists of sugar and water

2. foll byin or of to have its existence (in); lie (in); be expressed (by)

   his religion consists only in going to church

3. to be compatible or consistent; accord

Word History and Origins

Origin of consist¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin consistere “to stand together, stand firm,” from con- con- + sistere “to stand, cause to stand”; stand, stasis, status

Word History and Origins

Origin of consist¹

C16: from Latin consistere to halt, stand firm, from sistere to stand, cause to stand; related to stāre to stand

Example Sentences

They also found that the aurora spanned about 1200 km in longitude, consisted of three separated structures, and ranged in altitude from 400-900 km.

From Science Daily

Recently, Mr. Sun grabbed headlines when he spent $6.2 million at a Sotheby’s art auction to buy an artwork that consisted of a banana taped to the wall, which he then proceeded to eat.

From New York Times

Life in mining villages in the rainforest is harsh - most consist of just a dirt track, saloon bars and a church.

From BBC

"There are many possible candidates. We now need to find out which components such a cocktail would have to consist of in order not to damage the genome."

From Science Daily

The House Democratic Steering Committee, which consists of caucus leaders and House members representing different geographical areas and election classes, will meet later this month to make recommendations for committee leadership.

From Salon

Related Words

• dwell
• subsist