Words / C2

k-uh-n-SUM-uh-t/kənˈsʌmət/

Consummate, as an adjective, means complete and of the highest skill or degree (formal): consummate skill, a consummate performance. Expert (already in the dictionary) is everyday high knowledge; fastidious (already in the dictionary) is fussy about details, and perfunctory (already in the dictionary) is done just to tick a box — the opposite flavour. Polish on a brand film does not unlock a chained door.

Meaning

Complete and of the highest skill or degree (formal).

Examples

• “Consummate branding still left the fire door chained.”
• “An expert is someone with high skill (already in B1). Fastidious is fussy about details (already in C2). Perfunctory is a box-tick glance (already in C2) — the contrast. Finish of a method can still be exact. Finish instead of a named post is theatre. Unlock first; then the craft.”

Good to know

Complete; of the highest skill. Everyday-close: expert (already in B1). Close: fastidious (already in C2). Contrast: perfunctory (already in C2). Craft ≠ an exit.

Near in meaning

complete, supreme, accomplished, perfect

New