consummate
UK[ˈkɒnsəmeɪt]US[ˈkɑːnsəmeɪt]
adj
Complete or perfect in every way; showing supreme skill.
v
To make a marriage or relationship complete by having sexual intercourse.
v
To bring to completion or perfection; to finish.
Morpheme Breakdown
con
sum
ate
con
together, with, completely.
sum
ate
Etymology
The word 'consummate' originates from the Latin verb 'consummare', meaning "to sum up, to finish, to perfect." This verb itself is a compound of the prefix 'con-' (an intensifier meaning "altogether") and 'summa' (the highest point, the total), derived from 'summus' (highest, utmost). The core logic flows from the literal idea of "bringing things together to their highest point." This journey from the concrete Latin sense of "completing a sum" evolved into the abstract English meanings of achieving perfection or finality, whether in skill, an action, or a marital union. The adjective form, describing a state of supreme completeness, developed directly from the perfect participle of the Latin verb.
Analysis
Structure: con + sum + ate
- con- (Latin): A prefix meaning "together, with, completely."
- sum (Latin): From the root of 'summus', meaning "highest, utmost."
- ate (Latin): A verb-forming suffix meaning "to make, act upon."
Examples
She is a consummate professional, admired for her skill and diplomacy.
The contract was consummated with signatures from all parties.
Their marriage was consummated on their wedding night.