consolidate
UK[kənˈsɒl.ɪ.deɪt]US[kənˈsɑː.lɪ.deɪt]
v
to make something stronger or more solid
v
to combine several things, especially businesses, so that they become more effective
Morpheme Breakdown
con
solid
ate
con
together
solid
firm
ate
verb suffix
Etymology
the word consolidate originates from the latin verb 'consolidare', which itself is a compound of the intensive prefix 'con-' and the adjective 'solidus', meaning 'solid'. the literal sense was 'to make solid together'. this meaning traveled through late latin and old french before entering middle english. the modern abstract meanings of strengthening or merging into a single, more effective whole are direct logical extensions of this original idea of making things firm and unified.
Analysis
Structure: con (together) + solid (firm) + ate (verb suffix)
con- (latin prefix, meaning 'together' or 'with'), solid (latin root, meaning 'firm' or 'whole'), -ate (latin suffix, forming verbs meaning 'to make' or 'to act')
Examples
the company aims to consolidate its position in the market.
the two departments were consolidated to improve efficiency.
she took a short break to consolidate her thoughts before continuing.