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.

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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

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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”; see also stand, stasis, status

Explanation

Almost always used with the preposition "of," the verb consist means to be made up of, or composed of something. A heated conversation might consist of only two words: "yes" and "no." If you're talking about something that is made up of other things, consist is your word. A molecule consists of atoms and their bonds. Consist is often used in the past tense, so you're likely to hear it used in a sentence like "the game consisted of fourteen players and one stick." But you can use it in the present tense too. Grammar consists of many, many different rules, all of which are applied differently, depending on whether you're speaking or writing. The clubs all consist of singers, and singers only. If you play an instrument, look elsewhere, bud.

Example Sentences

They consist of pairs of poles on each side of the road, with a strip of wire mesh strung between and running down to the ground on either side.

From Slate • Apr. 28, 2026

Dating back to 1896, the Dow Jones Transportation Average is one of the oldest U.S. equity indexes and used to consist of railroads when they were the dominant means of transportation in the country.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

These systems reduce decoherence, remain stable, and consist of multiple interconnected "atoms" that function together as a single unit.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

"The periglacial environment, apart from being water reserves because they consist of water inside, undergoes a gradual thaw that feeds the rivers and streams of our country," she explains.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Jomon villages and cemeteries do not consist of a few richly decorated houses and graves contrasting with numerous spartan ones but are instead rather uniform—suggesting that there was little social stratification into chiefs and commoners.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Related Words

• dwell
• subsist