consummate

[kon-suh-meyt, kuhn-suhm-it, kon-suh-mit]

verb (used with object)

consummated, consummating 

1. to bring to a state of perfection; fulfill.

   Synonyms: achieve, accomplish, finish, perfect, complete

2. to complete (an arrangement, agreement, or the like) by a pledge or the signing of a contract.

   The company consummated its deal to buy a smaller firm.

3. to complete (the union of a marriage) by the first marital sexual intercourse.

adjective

1. complete or perfect; supremely skilled; superb.

   a consummate master of the violin.

   Antonyms: unfinished, imperfect

2. being of the highest or most extreme degree.

   a work of consummate skill; an act of consummate savagery.

consummate

verb

1. to bring to completion or perfection; fulfil

2. to complete (a marriage) legally by sexual intercourse

adjective

1. accomplished or supremely skilled

   a consummate artist

2. (prenominal) (intensifier)

   a consummate fool

Other Word Forms

• consummately adverb
• consummative adjective
• consummatory adjective
• consummator noun
• half-consummated adjective
• unconsummate adjective
• unconsummately adverb
• unconsummated adjective
• unconsummative adjective
• consummation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of consummate¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English (adjective), from Latin consummātus “completed,” past participle of consummāre “to complete, bring to perfection,” from con- con- + summ(a) sum + -āre, infinitive verb suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of consummate¹

C15: from Latin consummāre to complete, from summus highest, utmost

Example Sentences

The Briton had been poised for second place behind Piastri, who had controlled the race consummately from pole position throughout a series of incidents, including briefly threatening rain.

From BBC

Although Henry married his cousin, their marriage was apparently never consummated and his wife later filed for annulment.

From BBC

Her air of wealth comes with her consummate professionalism.

From Salon

His domineering and abusive father encouraged his son to practise on toy musical instruments; by the age of eight, he was a consummate piano player and a regular in a local church choir.

From BBC

But a consummate restart from Verstappen allowed him to break free while Norris, on much fresher tyres than Piastri, fought for three laps before finally passing the Australian to take second.

From BBC

Related Words

• accomplished 
• gifted 
• polished 
• skilled 
• superb 
• superlative 
• talented