consummate
Showing a high degree of skill and flair; complete or perfect. As a verb: to make a marriage or transaction complete by a sexual or formal act.
As an adjective, 'consummate' represents the absolute pinnacle of skill. A 'consummate professional' is not just good; they are the gold standard, possessing an effortless, flawless mastery of their craft.
Word relationships
- exemplary: Exemplary means serving as a desirable model or representing the best of its kind, whereas consummate focuses on the flawless execution and supreme skill of the individual.
- supreme: Supreme refers to holding the highest rank or authority, while consummate refers to the highest level of artistic or professional execution.
- amateurish: Amateurish describes work or behavior that lacks professional skill, polish, or experience.
- deficient: Deficient means lacking in some necessary quality or element, representing a failure of competence.
Commonly confused with
- consumptive: Consumptive historically referred to someone suffering from tuberculosis (consumption), whereas consummate refers to perfection and completion.
Word family
- consummately (adverb): In a consummate, perfect, or complete manner.
- consummation (noun): The point at which something is complete or finalized.
Collocations
- consummate professional
- consummate skill
- consummate artist
- consummate ease
Idioms & expressions
- par excellence
- second to none
Example sentences
- "He played the role of the tragic king with consummate skill, moving the audience to tears." A review of a legendary actor's performance.
- "He was a consummate master of the art of negotiation, never losing his temper or his focus." A classic historical description of a master diplomat.
Memory hook
Think of 'consummate' as 'CONSUMING the SUMMIT'. A consummate professional has climbed all the way to the top of the mountain of skill. Consummate = Consuming the summit of skill.
When not to use
Do not use 'consummate' to describe someone who is merely competent or still learning. It is reserved for those at the very peak of their profession or art.
Fun facts
- In legal terms, a marriage is not legally 'consummated' until the couple has engaged in sexual intercourse after the ceremony.
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