consist
UK[kənˈsɪst]US[kənˈsɪst]
v
(consist of) to be formed or made up of
v
(consist in) to have as an essential feature or main element
Morpheme Breakdown
con
sist
con
together, with
sist
to stand, to place, to cause to stand
Etymology
The verb "consist" originates from the Latin consistere, a compound of con- ("together") and sistere ("to stand, to place"). The core semantic logic is of things "standing together" to form a stable whole. This literal sense of components being placed together evolved into the modern abstract meanings of being composed of certain parts or having a particular essential quality as its foundation.
Analysis
Structure: con + sist
- con: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "together, with".
- sist: Latin origin, from the verb sistere, meaning "to stand, to place, to cause to stand".
Examples
The team consists of five experienced players.
The beauty of the plan consists in its simplicity.
A healthy diet should consist of a variety of nutritious foods.