consumer
UK: kənˈsjuːmə | US: kənˈsuːmər
n. a person who purchases goods or services for personal use
n. (ecology) an organism that ingests other organisms or organic matter for energy
The word "consumer" originates from the Latin consumere (to take up completely, use up), formed by con- (intensive prefix) + sumere (to take). The term evolved through Old French consumer (to consume) into Middle English, initially referring to wasteful spending. By the 16th century, it gained its modern economic sense of "one who uses goods." The morpheme -er denotes agency, framing the consumer as an active taker of resources.
The average consumer prefers affordable and durable products.
Governments often regulate advertising to protect consumer rights.
In the food chain, a lion is a secondary consumer.
Consumer demand drives innovation in technology.
She became a conscious consumer, avoiding single-use plastics.