consist

American  

[kuhn-sist, kon-sist] / kənˈsɪst, ˈkɒn sɪst /

verb (used without object)

1. to be made up or composed (usually followed byof ).

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

2. to be comprised or contained (usually followed byin ).

   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 British  

/ kənˈsɪst /

verb

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

   syrup consists of sugar and water

2. 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

---

Etymology

Origin of consist

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

Example Sentences

A highly-choreographed Greenland visit last month by Denmark's King Frederik X helped project the image of a united Kingdom of Denmark, which consists of Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

From Barron's

But good statecraft consists not only of bold decision-making and efficient execution.

From The Wall Street Journal

Trying to look manly and tough when your entire regime, from the top on down, consists of shifty characters with a wide range of obvious personality disorders might seem like a categorical error.

From Salon

The players use sledges with two blades and two sticks to push themselves and handle the puck, and games consist of three 15-minute periods.

From BBC

The staples sector consists of several disparate subgroups, and they need to be analyzed separately.

From Barron's

Related Words

• dwell
• subsist