con ‧ sist W3 AC /kənˈsɪst/ BrE AmE verb
[ Date: 1500-1600 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: consistere 'to stand still or firm, exist' , from com- ( ⇨ COM- ) + sistere 'to stand' ]
consist in something phrasal verb [not in progressive] formal
to be based on or depend on something:
Happiness does not consist in how many possessions you own.
consist of something phrasal verb [not in progressive]
to be formed from two or more things or people:
The buffet consisted of several different Indian dishes.
consist mainly/largely/primarily of somebody/something
The audience consisted mainly of teenagers.
consist entirely/solely of somebody/something
The area does not consist entirely of rich people, despite popular belief.
► Do not say that something ‘is consisted of’ or ‘consists’ things or people. Say that it consists of things or people.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ consist of/be made up of to be formed from two or more things or people:
Lunch consisted of sandwiches and fruit.
|
The apartment consisted of three rooms.
|
The audience was largely made up of families.
▪ be composed of to consist of something – used especially when saying which natural substances something contains, or what kind of people are in a group:
Every chemical element is composed of atoms.
|
Venus’ atmosphere is mainly composed of carbon dioxide.
|
The team was composed of leading scientists from around the world.
▪ comprise /kəmˈpraɪz/ formal to consist of the things mentioned. Comprise can also be used to talk about the people or things which form something:
The event comprises a champagne reception, two-course lunch, and a fashion show.
|
Men still comprise the majority of people who have the disease.
▪ make up ( also constitute formal ) to be the things or people that form something:
Women constitute a significant part of the workforce.
|
Toys make up about 10% of the company’s sales.