using the word 'consummately'

[andrewlee1313]

Is using the "consummately" in a sentence necessarily sexual? I know "consummate" means as a verb "make a marriage complete by having sexual intercourse" or as an adjective "showing a high degree of skill or flair; complete or perfect."

Is it acceptable to use this word in other contexts without having weird connotations? i.e. "He played the piano consummately" or "he did that job consummately"... thanks for any input

 

[teechar]

Hello there, and welcome to the forum.
Indeed, "consummately" does not necessarily imply a sexual aspect.
Take a look at the example sentences in the link below to see for yourself.

https://www.lexico.com/definition/consummately

 

[Tarheel]

There are, I am sure, better ways to say that.

He played the piano very well.
He played the piano excellently.
He played the piano expertly.
He played the piano like a pro.

I wouldn't use consummately there. (I might if you paid me to.)

(Cross posted.)

 

[emsr2d2]

The most common use of the (shorter) word in BrE is in the phrase "He/She is a consummate professional".

 

[teechar]

(I might if you paid me to.)

Wishful thinking, Tarheel. :-D
Or should I be more optimistic and say "We live in hope"?

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Is using [STRIKE]the[/STRIKE] "consummately" in a sentence necessarily sexual?

As an adverb or adjective (consummate), it NEVER has a sexual connotation.

I know "consummate" means as a verb "make a marriage complete by having sexual intercourse" or as an adjective "showing a high degree of skill or flair; complete or perfect."

Is it acceptable to use this word in other contexts without having weird connotations?

Again, it doesn't imply sex at all.

i.e. "He played the piano consummately" or "he did that job consummately." Thanks for any input.

It is used as an adjective more often than as an adverb.

 

[andrewlee1313]

The most common use of the (shorter) word in BrE is in the phrase "He/She is a consummate professional".

Oh interesting, never heard this phrase before. Good to know. Thank you!

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Oh interesting, never heard this phrase before. Good to know. Thank you!

To be clear, it can be consummate anything — professional, liar, violinist, prankster, workaholic, athlete, whatever.

The point is that it's usually an adjective.

 

[Tarheel]

Oh, that's interesting. I have never heard this phrase before. Good to know. Thank you!

 

[tedmc]

You consummate a marriage/relationship by having sex. It is the verb that is used.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

You consummate a marriage/relationship by having sex. It is the verb that is used.

I've only heard it used for marriages, not other relationships.

Maybe, though!