Pronunciation: [kənsˈuːmz tˈa͡ɪm] (IPA) 
The word "consumes time" is spelled with /kənˈsjuːmz taɪm/. The "c" is pronounced as /k/, while the following "o" is pronounced as /ə/. The "n" is pronounced as /n/ and the "s" is pronounced as /s/. The "u" is pronounced as /uː/, the "m" is pronounced as /m/, and the "e" is pronounced as /z/. "Time" is spelled with /taɪm/, where the "t" is pronounced as /t/, the "i" is pronounced as /aɪ/, and the "m" is pronounced as /m/.
The phrase "consumes time" refers to the action or process of using, expending, or taking up a significant amount of time. It connotes an activity, task, or event that requires a considerable duration to complete or accomplish. The concept highlights the notion that engaging in a particular action or undertaking will take a substantial portion of one's time, potentially hindering or delaying other activities or commitments.
When an activity consumes time, it denotes that the task demands a substantial commitment of time and attention, often resulting in a diversion of resources away from other pursuits. This phrase is commonly used to describe activities or events that are time-consuming, involving extensive preparation, execution, and follow-up. Examples can include complex projects, meticulous research, lengthy meetings, extensive travel, or high-involvement tasks that necessitate great dedication and prolonged effort.
The expression implies that time becomes an expendable resource or commodity that is progressively and sometimes exhaustively utilized to complete a particular task or reach a desired outcome. It subtly suggests that the duration spent on the activity is significant, potentially requiring trade-offs or sacrifices in other areas of life. Describing an activity as consuming time serves as a cautionary expression, alerting individuals to the fact that taking on such an endeavor may impose constraints on their schedules and require careful time management to ensure other obligations are not compromised.
The phrase "consumes time" does not have a specific etymology, as it is composed of two separate words that have their own origins.
1. Consume: The word "consume" stems from the Latin word "consumere", which literally means "to take up completely" or "to use up". It was formed by combining the prefix "com-" (meaning "together" or "thoroughly") with "sumere" (meaning "to take" or "to use"). Over time, the meaning of "consume" evolved to include the idea of completely using or depleting something, often referring to resources, food, or energy.
2. Time: The word "time" has a complex origin. It originates from the Old English word "tīma", which referred to a period or a season.
