Consumes Consumed Large Cent Amounts Verb Kənˈsjuːm Kənˈsuːm

• the electricity industry consumes large amounts of fossil fuels.
• 25 per cent of the world’s population consumes 80 per cent of the planet’s resources.
• before he died, he had consumed a large quantity of alcohol.
• a half-consumed loaf of bread

consume

Verb Forms

1. to use something, especially fuel, energy or time
• The electricity industry consumes large amounts of fossil fuels.
• 25 per cent of the world’s population consumes 80 per cent of the planet’s resources.

Extra Examples

• Bureaucracy consumes money that could have been spent on public services.
• My new car consumes much less fuel.
• Paperwork consumes time which could be better used getting on with the job itself.
• The production of new paper from wood pulp consumes vast amounts of energy.
2. to eat or drink something
• Before he died, he had consumed a large quantity of alcohol.
• a half-consumed loaf of bread
• Red meat should be consumed in moderation.
3. to fill somebody with a strong feeling
• Carolyn was consumed with guilt.
• Rage consumed him.
4. to completely destroy something
• The hotel was quickly consumed by fire.

Word Origin

• late Middle English: from Latin consumere, from con- ‘altogether’ + sumere ‘take up’; reinforced by French consumer.