Consolidate
/kənˈsɒlɪdeɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo combine a number of things into a single, more effective or coherent whole.
/kənˈsɒlɪdeɪt/
To make something stronger or more solid.
The merger will consolidate the two companies into a single entity.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have lots of small piles of blocks. To consolidate them means to put them all together into one big, strong pile! Think of it like combining your toys into one box instead of having them scattered around.
👶 For kids: Making things into one big thing.
More Examples
The general ordered the troops to consolidate their gains.
The government is trying to consolidate its power.
How It's Used
"The company consolidated its debts to secure a better interest rate."
"Troops consolidated their positions after the battle."
"The bank consolidated its smaller branches into a single, larger location."
To become strong or more stable; to establish a position firmly.
/kənˈsɒlɪdeɪt/
To become strong or stable.
After the victory, the general worked to consolidate his control of the territory.
💡 Simply: Think of winning a game. After you've won a round, you need to consolidate your win – to keep your advantage and prevent others from catching up.
👶 For kids: To make something get stronger and stay strong.
More Examples
The new company had to consolidate their position in the market to survive.
How It's Used
"The new leader is trying to consolidate their support base."
"After the initial success, the team needed to consolidate their position."
Idioms & expressions
consolidated balance sheet
A financial statement that combines the assets, liabilities, and equity of a parent company and its subsidiaries.
"The company presented its consolidated balance sheet to investors."
consolidate power
To strengthen and secure one's authority or control.
"The dictator used various methods to consolidate power."
From Latin consolidare ('to make solid'), from con- ('together') + solidare ('to make solid'). It originally meant to make something physically solid or strong, but evolved to mean unifying or strengthening in a figurative sense.
The word 'consolidate' has been used since the 16th century, initially referring to making something solid. The figurative meanings developed later, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries with the growth of finance and government.
Memory tip
Think of solidifying a group or thing into a single, strong unit.
Word Origin
"To make solid or strengthen"