consist in
C1 formal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To be mainly about or defined by a particular quality or thing.
Meanings
1 C1 formal
To have its essential nature or most important quality in something; to be fundamentally defined by something.
"True leadership does not consist in giving orders, but in inspiring others to act."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Much less common than 'consist of'. Used mainly in formal, philosophical, or academic writing to describe the essential nature of something. Always followed by a noun, gerund, or noun phrase describing an abstract quality. Not used in everyday conversation.
Commonly used with
happiness virtue meaning essence strength truth
Forms
Base
consist in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
consists in
he/she/it
Past simple
consisted in
yesterday
Past participle
consisted in
have + pp
-ing form
consisting in
continuous
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