Langimage
English

consumer

|con/sum/er|

B2

🇺🇸

/kənˈsuːmər/

🇬🇧

/kənˈsjuːmə/

(consume)

buyer of goods

Base FormPluralPresentPresent3rd Person Sing.3rd Person Sing.PastPastPast ParticiplePast ParticiplePresent ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounNounNounNounNounAdjective
consumeconsumersconsumesoverconsumesconsumesoverconsumesconsumedoverconsumedconsumedoverconsumedconsumingoverconsumingconsumptionconsumptionsconsumablesnon-consumptionpower consumptionconsumable
Etymology
Etymology Information

'consumer' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'consumere,' where 'con-' meant 'together' and 'sumere' meant 'to take.'

Historical Evolution

'consumere' transformed into the Old French word 'consommer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'consumer' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to use up or destroy,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person who purchases goods and services.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a person who purchases goods and services for personal use.

The consumer bought a new smartphone.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Noun 2

an organism that obtains energy by feeding on other organisms.

In the food chain, a lion is a consumer.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35