DictionaryAI

consolidate

Saykuhn-SOL-uh-dayt/kənˈsɑ.lə.deɪt/AUS/kənˈsɔl.ə.dæɪt/UKkuhn-SOL-i-dayt/kənˈsɒl.ɪ.deɪt/

Formsconsolidates, consolidating, consolidated

4 meanings of consolidate

Practice

  1. 1
    verbtransitive or intransitive
    To join several separate things together into one.

    Like gathering many small piles of toys into one big box.

    The company plans to consolidate its three offices into one building downtown.

    We consolidated all our notes into a single document.

    Similarcombine, merge, unite, amalgamate, unify

    Oppositeseparate, divide, split, fragment

    Note
  2. 2
    verbtransitive
    To make something stronger or more solid.

    Like pressing loose snow into a hard, solid snowball.

    Builders added more cement to consolidate the foundation.

    The team consolidated their lead in the second half of the game.

    Similarstrengthen, reinforce, secure, cement, fortify

    Oppositeweaken, undermine

    Note
  3. 3
    verbtransitive
    To pay off many separate debts by taking out one new loan.

    Like trading a handful of small bills for one big bill that covers them all.

    She decided to consolidate her credit card debts into one monthly payment.

    They consolidated their loans to get a lower interest rate.

    Similarcombine, merge

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    adjectiveobsolete
    Made firm and solid, packed into one hard mass.
    A gentleman [should learn to ride] while he is tender and the brawns and sinews of his thighs not fully consolidate.
    1531, Thomas Elyot, The Boke Named the GovernourHere, consolidate means firm and solid, fully formed.
    Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin, based on the word solidus meaning "solid."