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Meaning & use

a consultant

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ə kənˈsʌltənt/
US/ə kənˈsʌltənt/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    a person who gives expert advice to others in a particular field, often as a job

    Grammar: Used as a countable noun; you can say 'a consultant' or 'consultants'.

    Patterns

    • a consultant for a company
    • a consultant in a field
    • work as a consultant
    • hire a consultant

    The company hired a consultant to improve its customer service.

    She works as a management consultant for a large firm.

    He is a consultant in environmental law.

  2. nouncountableBritishmedical

    a senior doctor in a British hospital who is a specialist in a particular area of medicine

    Grammar: This sense is mainly British; in the US, such a doctor is usually called a specialist or an attending physician.

    Patterns

    • see a consultant
    • a consultant surgeon
    • a consultant in cardiology

    The patient was referred to a consultant for further tests.

    She is a consultant in pediatrics at the city hospital.

    After the scan, he had an appointment with the consultant.

Word forms

pluralconsultants

Common combinations

management consultant
The management consultant suggested a new way to organize the teams.
consultant for a company
He works as a consultant for a tech company.
hire a consultant
They decided to hire a consultant to review the budget.
consultant surgeon
The consultant surgeon performed the operation.

Synonyms and how they differ

advisor
An advisor gives advice, often as part of a regular role, while a consultant is usually an outside expert hired for a specific purpose.
expert
An expert has deep knowledge but may not be paid to give advice; a consultant's job is to give professional advice.

Word family

consult verb
to ask someone for advice or information
consultation noun
a meeting to discuss something or get advice
consultancy noun
a company that gives expert advice, or the work of giving advice
consulting adjective
relating to the business of giving expert advice

Commonly confused: a consultant or consul? a consultant or counselor?

a consultant vs consul

A consul is an official who represents their country in a foreign city. It sounds similar but has a completely different meaning.

a consultant vs counselor

A counselor gives advice or support, especially on personal or psychological matters, while a consultant usually advises on business or technical matters.

Practice

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