consort
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the husband or wife of a king or queen.
n.the spouse of a reigning monarch, who does not share the monarch's sovereign power.
Simple“Prince Philip was the consort of Queen Elizabeth II for many decades.”
In context“The role of a royal consort is often defined by strict protocol and a lack of formal constitutional authority.”
UsageOften used in titles like 'Prince Consort' or 'Queen Consort'.
- 02 C2 Proficiency
n.a small group of musicians who play instruments from the same family together.
n.a small ensemble of instruments, typically of the same family, common in Renaissance and Baroque music.
Simple“The university has a consort of viols that performs early music.”
In context“The performance featured a consort of recorders, demonstrating the rich textures of sixteenth-century polyphony.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
v.to spend a lot of time with someone, especially someone that other people do not like or trust.
v.to associate or keep company with someone, typically with a negative or pejorative connotation.
Simple“The police suspected he was consorting with known criminals.”
In context“The politician was heavily criticised for consorting with lobbyists who represented foreign interests during the election cycle.”
UsageUsually takes the preposition 'with'.
Borrowed from Middle French, ultimately from Latin cōnsors. As “companion or partner”, via Middle English consorte.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.