Consolidate
/kənˈsɑːləˌdeɪt/
verbB2
Definition
Consolidate means to bring different things together to make them stronger, safer, or more effective. It can mean joining smaller parts into one big part or making a situation more stable and certain. People often use it in business, money, or when talking about ideas or power.
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See It in Action
To join or combine parts to make one stronger or better
- •The company decided to consolidate its two offices into one building.
- •She consolidated all her debts into a single loan to make payments easier.
- •The team consolidated their ideas before presenting to the manager.
To make something more certain or strong
- •The leader worked hard to consolidate his power in the country.
- •After the success, the team consolidated their position as the top players.
- •The new law helped consolidate the rights of workers.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "consolidate" like "join" (A1 word), but with the idea of making something stronger or better by joining parts
- ✓Picture building blocks: instead of many small blocks loose on the floor, you stack them tightly to make a strong tower
- ✓It's the feeling when you organize your messy desk into neat piles so everything is easier to find and use
- ✓Sounds like "con-SOL-idate" → imagine putting all your SOLid things together to make one big solid thing
- ✓Think of a company buying smaller companies to become one big, stronger company
- ✓NOT like "separate" (to take apart) — consolidate means to bring together, not to split
- ✓NOT like "fix" (repair something broken) — consolidate is more about joining or strengthening than just repairing
- ✓NOT like "expand" (make bigger by adding new parts separately) — consolidate means to combine parts into one, not just add more
Try Other Words
- •Unite: to bring parts together as one (Use when emphasizing togetherness and harmony)
- •Combine: to put things together (Use when focusing on mixing parts without necessarily making stronger)
- •Strengthen: to make stronger (Use when focusing on increasing power or stability)
- •Merge: to join two or more things into one (Use often for companies or groups joining)
Unboxing
- •Prefix: "con-" means "together" or "with"
- •Root: "solid" means "strong" or "firm"
- •Suffix: "-ate" turns the word into a verb, meaning to cause or make something happen
- •Etymology: From Latin "consolidare," meaning "to make firm or strong together"
- •Historical development: Originally used for making things physically firm or strong; now also used for ideas, power, money, and groups
- •Modern usage: Common in business, finance, and politics to describe joining parts or making positions stronger
Reflect & Connect
•How can consolidating your daily tasks help you feel less stressed and more organized?
•In what situations might consolidating power or resources be good or bad? Why?
Fill in the blanks
1.She decided to consolidate her loans ___ one monthly payment to make it easier to manage.
2.The company consolidated its departments ___ reduce costs and improve communication.
3.When leaders consolidate power, they often try to ___ their control over others.
4.Consolidate usually means to bring parts together, ___ like "separate" means to take things apart.
5.After winning the game, the team worked hard to consolidate their ___ as champions.
6.People consolidate ideas by ___ them into a clear plan before sharing.
7.When you consolidate your money, you often ___ debts or accounts into one place.