consummate
Verb
Medium difficulty
What does “consummate” mean?
verb.showing a high degree of skill and flair; complete or perfect.
SAT Usage
This term often appears in contexts related to mastery, artistry, or achievement, emphasizing not just skill but an exceptional level of excellence and completeness. It suggests a level of proficiency that goes beyond mere competence, distinguishing itself from similar terms like "adept," which implies skill but lacks the connotation of perfection or flair.
Common Confusions
Consummate implies a high degree of skill and perfection, while proficient usually suggests competence or ability without the same connotation of excellence or flair.
Example Sentences
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She was a consummate professional in every aspect of her work.
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She was a consummate professional who excelled in every task.
Word Parts: How to Remember “consummate”
Break “consummate” into its parts: co- (together, with). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
co-together, with (Latin)