consolidate

Pronunciation: kun-SOL-ih-dayt

verb

Difficulty: intermediate

Definition of consolidate

To bring together multiple parts into a unified, cohesive, and more effective whole, often to strengthen or stabilize.

Origin of consolidate

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: consolidare

Original meaning: to make firm, solidify

How it evolved: Initially used in Latin to describe strengthening or fortifying structures, the term later evolved to encompass the idea of merging components into a unified entity.

Derived from the Latin word 'consolidare,' meaning 'to make firm or solid.'

First known use: 15th century

How to Remember consolidate

Think of 'con-solid-ate' as making something 'solid' by 'combining' all the pieces into one sturdy whole.

Synonyms for consolidate

Antonyms of consolidate

  • separate
  • divide
  • dissipate
  • fragment
  • scatter

consolidate in a Sentence

  1. The company sought to consolidate its diverse operations under a single, streamlined management structure to improve efficiency.
  2. After years of political turmoil, the new leader worked tirelessly to consolidate power and stabilize the nation.
  3. The student consolidated her notes from multiple textbooks into a concise study guide for the exam.

consolidate in Literature & Culture

The term 'consolidate' is often used in literature and political speeches to signify the strengthening of alliances, power, or resources, such as in Shakespearean plays or discussions of historical empire-building.

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 'consolidate' with simply 'combine'; consolidation implies a deliberate effort to unify and strengthen, often for greater efficiency or effectiveness.

Why consolidate Matters for GRE & SAT

This word frequently appears in GRE reading comprehension passages and text completion questions, often in contexts related to business, politics, or science where strengthening or unifying is key.

Word Family

consolidation (noun)
The process of making something stronger or more cohesive.
consolidative (adjective)
Serving to unify or strengthen.
consolider (verb)
(Archaic) To make solid or firm.

Did You Know?

  • The word 'consolidate' was first used in English in the 15th century, primarily in medical texts to describe healing and strengthening tissues.
  • In financial contexts, 'consolidating debt' refers to combining multiple loans into one for better management.
  • The term is commonly used in corporate mergers to describe the unification of companies or departments.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with C

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