C1verb5K

Consolidate

UK /["/kənˈsɒlɪdeɪt/","/kənˈsɒlɪdeɪts/","/kənˈsɒlɪdeɪtɪd/","/kənˈsɒlɪdeɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/kənˈsɑːlɪdeɪt/","/kənˈsɑːlɪdeɪts/","/kənˈsɑːlɪdeɪtɪd/","/kənˈsɑːlɪdeɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to make a position of power or success stronger so that it is more likely to continue

In simple words: To combine things into one.

Examples

  • With this new movie he has **consolidated** his **position** as the country's leading director.
  • Italy consolidated their lead with a second goal.
  • All the debts have been consolidated.
  • consolidated accounts
  • The two companies consolidated for greater efficiency.

Usage notes

Used in business and legal contexts to refer to combining resources or information. Avoid using in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

consolidate + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'con-sold-it' — think of selling and combining items into one package.

Collocations

  • consolidate resources
  • consolidate information
  • consolidate power
  • consolidate debts
  • consolidate efforts

Synonyms

  • merge
  • combine
  • unify
  • integrate
  • amalgamate

Antonyms

  • separate
  • divide

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'consolidation' — they are related but not interchangeable.
  • Used incorrectly as a transitive verb without an object.
  • Mispronounced as 'consoled-date' instead of 'con-solid-ate'.