consolidate
/kən'sɔlideit/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To combine into a single, more effective or coherent whole: To bring separate parts or things together to form a unified, stronger, or more efficient entity.
- To make something physically solid, firm, or stable: To cause separate particles or elements to unite into a solid mass or a more secure structure.
- To strengthen or make secure: To reinforce a position, power, or achievement, making it more stable and less vulnerable.
Usage and Examples
Combining into one:
- The two departments will consolidate to improve efficiency.
- The company plans to consolidate its various regional offices into one headquarters.
Making physically solid or firm:
- The wet soil will consolidate as it dries.
- The new policy aims to consolidate the loose regulations into a single, enforceable code.
Strengthening a position or gain:
- After winning the election, the party moved quickly to consolidate its power.
- The team scored an early goal and then played defensively to consolidate their lead.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
"To consolidate one's position": To take actions to make one's power, authority, or situation more secure and stable.
- The CEO consolidated her position by appointing loyal managers to key roles.
"To consolidate debt": A common financial term meaning to combine multiple debts into a single loan, often with a lower interest rate.
- They decided to consolidate their credit card debts with a personal bank loan.
Variants and Related Words
Consolidation (noun): The process or result of consolidating.
- The consolidation of the two companies created an industry giant.
Consolidated (adjective): Describing something that has been combined or made solid.
- The consolidated financial report shows the results of all subsidiaries.
Synonyms
- Combine: To join or merge to form a single entity.
- Merge: To cause two or more things to combine, especially companies.
- Strengthen: To make or become stronger.
- Unify: To make or become united or uniform.
- Solidify: To make solid, firm, or strong.
Antonyms
- Separate: To cause to move or be apart.
- Divide: To separate or be separated into parts.
- Weaken: To make or become less strong.
Common Collocations and Phrases
- Consolidate power/authority/control: To strengthen one's hold on power.
- Consolidate gains/profits: To secure and build upon advantages or earnings.
- Consolidate resources/assets: To pool resources for more effective use.
Verb
- make or form into a solid or hardened mass
- consolidate fibers into boards
- form into a solid mass or whole
- The mud had consolidated overnight
- bring together into a single whole or system
- The town and county schools are being consolidated
- make firm or secure; strengthen
- consolidate one's gains
- consolidate one's hold on first place
- unite into one
- The companies consolidated