consumer
A consumer is a person who purchases goods and services for personal use rather than for resale or business purposes. In a broader biological or ecological context, it refers to any organism that feeds on other organisms or organic matter.
Examples
3 of 5Most consumers prefer to compare prices online before making a major purchase.
Most consumers prefer to compare prices online before making a major purchase.
The legislation aims to strengthen consumer rights and ensure fair competition in the market.
The legislation aims to strengthen consumer rights and ensure fair competition in the market.
I'm a huge consumer of sci-fi novels; I read at least two a week.
I'm a huge consumer of sci-fi novels; I read at least two a week.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the verb 'consume' (to eat or use up). A consumer is the person at the end of the line who 'eats' or uses the product.
Quick Quiz
The ______ protection agency ensures that products are safe for public use.
Correct!
The correct answer is: consumer
Examples
Most consumers prefer to compare prices online before making a major purchase.
everydayMost consumers prefer to compare prices online before making a major purchase.
The legislation aims to strengthen consumer rights and ensure fair competition in the market.
formalThe legislation aims to strengthen consumer rights and ensure fair competition in the market.
I'm a huge consumer of sci-fi novels; I read at least two a week.
informalI'm a huge consumer of sci-fi novels; I read at least two a week.
Ecological studies categorize herbivores as primary consumers within the food chain.
academicEcological studies categorize herbivores as primary consumers within the food chain.
Our marketing strategy focuses on building trust with the modern eco-conscious consumer.
businessOur marketing strategy focuses on building trust with the modern eco-conscious consumer.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Consumer Price Index
Consumer Price Index
consumer electronics
consumer electronics
mass consumer
mass consumer
Often Confused With
A customer buys from a specific shop or business, whereas a consumer is the one who actually uses the product.
A client typically receives a professional service (like legal advice), while a consumer buys physical goods or general services.
Usage Notes
The word is frequently used in economic and business contexts to describe the general public's role in the economy. It can also be used figuratively for someone who 'takes in' a lot of media or information.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'customer' when discussing broad economic trends; 'consumer' is the more appropriate term for the general role of buying and using goods.
Memory Tip
Think of the verb 'consume' (to eat or use up). A consumer is the person at the end of the line who 'eats' or uses the product.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'consumere', meaning 'to take up wholly, use up, or waste'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western societies, the 'consumer culture' is a defining characteristic of the modern economy and social identity.
Quick Quiz
The ______ protection agency ensures that products are safe for public use.
Correct!
The correct answer is: consumer
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
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