Words / B2

k-uh-n-SIST/kənˈsɪst/

To consist is to be made of particular parts: consist of three parts. The pattern is consist of, not consist in for this meaning (consist in is rare and formal: “happiness consists in…”). Be made of / be made up of are everyday. Comprise is a close official cousin (the test comprises three parts). In speech, is made up of is enough. Consist is not a synonym for exist, and there is no “consists with.”

Meaning

To be made of particular parts (consist of).

Examples

• “The test consists of three parts.”
• “The test consists of three parts: listening, reading, and a short oral.”
• “The kit consisted of a booklet, a CD, and a mark scheme nobody could find.”

Good to know

consist of + parts. Everyday: be made up of. Close: comprise. Rare: consist in = lie in. Not exist. No “consist with”.

Near in meaning

comprise

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