consumptively

consumptively

A pale man sits consumptively by the fireplace, coughing into a handkerchief.

Definition

Adverb: In a manner relating to or characteristic of consumption, especially the wasting disease tuberculosis (historically referred to as consumption); in a way that suggests a gradual wasting away or decline.

Usage Examples
  • (In a manner typical of someone suffering from tuberculosis, with a wasting cough.)
  • (Appearing as if affected by consumption, showing extreme thinness and weakness.)
  • (Speaking in a weak, breathless manner associated with consumption.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to cough consumptively": to cough in a way that mimics the symptoms of tuberculosis, often used in literary or descriptive contexts.

    • The character in the novel coughed consumptively, foreshadowing his tragic end. (The cough was a narrative device indicating illness and mortality.)
  • "to waste consumptively": to lose weight or strength in a manner resembling progressive disease.

    • The prisoner's body wasted consumptively under the harsh conditions. (He became emaciated and weak over time.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Consumptive (adjective): relating to or affected by consumption (tuberculosis).

    • The consumptive patient required constant care. (The patient had tuberculosis.)
  • Consumption (noun): the disease tuberculosis; also the act of consuming.

    • In the 19th century, consumption was a common cause of death. (Tuberculosis was widespread.)
Synonyms
  • Wastingly: in a manner that involves gradual loss.
  • Emaciatedly: in a way that shows extreme thinness from illness.
  • Tubercularly: in a manner related to tuberculosis (medical term).
Related Idioms
  • Consumptive cough: a specific type of cough associated with tuberculosis.

    • The doctor recognized the consumptive cough immediately. (A dry, persistent cough typical of the disease.)
  • Consumptive look: an appearance of wasting away.

    • She had a consumptive look, pale and gaunt. (She looked very ill and thin.)