consist

/kənˈsɪst/

/kənˈsɪst/

Other forms: consists; consisted; consisting

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.

Definitions of consist

1. verb

   have its essential character; be comprised or contained in; be embodied in
   “What does love consist in?”

   type of:

   be

   have the quality of being; (copula, used with an adjective or a predicate noun)
2. verb

   be composed of
   “What does this dish consist of?”

   synonyms: comprise

   type of:

   be

   have the quality of being; (copula, used with an adjective or a predicate noun)
3. verb

   be consistent in form, tenor, or character; be congruous
   “Desires are to be satisfied only so far as consists with an approved end”

   type of:

   agree, check, correspond, fit, gibe, jibe, match, tally

   be compatible, similar, or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
4. verb

   originate (in)
   synonyms: dwell, lie, lie in

   type of:

   be, exist

   have an existence, be extant