consist

consist in (something)

To have something be the sole, primary, or most important element or aspect. Diplomacy consists in open, thoughtful communication, not tearing down others with whom one disagrees. Being a good parent consists in doing what most benefits your child—whether they are happy with that or not. You can't stay in your comfort zone all the time and also grow because growth consists in doing the things that scare you.

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consist of (something)

To be made up of (something). Your grade consists of several factors, such as homework, projects, and test scores. This paint actually consists of several natural ingredients. I'm always skeptical of these desserts that claim to consist of healthy ingredients. If they're actually healthy, they taste terrible, and if they taste good, they're not as healthy as they claim to be.

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Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

consist of someone or something

to include people or things; to be made up of people or things. This bread consists of flour, water, sugar, oil, and yeast. The U.S. Senate consists of two elected officials from each state.

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McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

consist of

v.

To have something as components; be made up of something: The English test consisted of four essays.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.