consort
consort Lexical Profile
consort Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A wife, husband, or companion, in particular the spouse of a reigning monarch.
"Prince Albert served as a trusted adviser and royal consort to Queen Victoria throughout their marriage."
A small group of musicians performing together, typically playing Renaissance or Baroque instruments from the same family.
"The Early Music Festival featured a four-part viol consort performing 16th-century English chamber works."
A ship sailing in company with another vessel.
"Separated by a dense Atlantic fog, the flagship fired signal cannons to locate its consort."
• verb
To habitually associate or keep company with someone, typically with the disapproval of others.
"The magistrate was reprimanded for consorting with known lobbyists during the investigation."
To be in harmony or agreement with something (used with 'with').
"Such reckless financial speculation hardly consorts with the conservative principles of the board."
Word Nuance & Usage
The noun and verb forms are distinguished by pronunciation: the noun is stressed on the first syllable (CON-sort), whereas the verb is usually stressed on the second syllable (con-SORT) and often carries a disapproving connotation of associating with disreputable people.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 15th century from Middle French 'consort', from Latin 'consors' meaning 'sharing property' or 'partner', formed from 'con-' (together) and 'sors' (lot, share, or fate).