Words / B2

k-uh-n-SYOOM/kənˈsjuːm/

To consume is to use up fuel, time, resources, or food — more formal or technical than use or eat. Reports talk about energy consumed; a project can consume evenings. Eat and drink are the everyday verbs for meals; consume sounds like a label or a news story. Consumer and consumption are the related forms in economics.

Meaning

To use fuel, time, or food; to eat or drink.

Examples

• “The project consumed all her evenings.”
• “The server farm consumes a surprising amount of electricity.”
• “Marking consumed the weekend.”

Good to know

consume energy/time/resources. Formal/technical for use up. Noun: consumption.

Near in meaning

use up

New