consist
Americanverb (used without object)
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to be made up or composed (usually followed byof ).
This cake consists mainly of sugar, flour, and butter.
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to be comprised or contained (usually followed byin ).
Her charm does not consist only in her beauty.
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Archaic. to exist together or be capable of existing together.
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Obsolete. to insist; urge.
noun
verb
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(foll by of) to be composed (of); be formed (of)
syrup consists of sugar and water
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to have its existence (in); lie (in); be expressed (by)
his religion consists only in going to church
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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”; 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.
Vocabulary lists containing consist
Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items
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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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Because of Winn-Dixie
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The fund will consist of a five-member commission, four of those appointed by the Attorney General, and will receive $1.776 billion to allow the justice department to settle and pay cases.
From BBC • May 18, 2026
Companies often invest in their younger workers through training and career development, while midlife offerings consist solely of a retirement calculator, Clinton said.
From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026
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
Unlike many similar finds, which often consist only of teeth, this specimen included a broader range of remains.
From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026
One day’s main meal might consist of cabbage and fatback.
From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
