consume
verb B2
Plain meaning
use, eat, drink, or take in something
Exam-register meaning
In academic or exam writing, this is used to discuss use, eat, drink, or take in something in a more precise way.
In context
naturalThe team tried to consume energy before the deadline.
examThe passage suggests that institutions may need to consume energy in order to improve long-term outcomes.
Common collocations
consume energyconsume resourcesconsume food
Watch out
Do not pair it with a random object. Learn the full pattern, e.g., “consume energy”. Also avoid confusing it with “use”.