word choice - "Consist in" vs. "consist of"


I would like to clarify this once and for all: What is the correct use of "consist in" vs. "consist of"?



"Meditation consists in/of attentive watchfulness."


"The body consists in/of cells."



More examples of correct and incorrect uses would be appreciated.



Answer



Of is the correct preposition to use in your second example:



The body consists of cells.



In is the correct preposition to use in your first example:



Meditation consists in attentive watchfulness.



Consist of means to be composed or made up of, while consist in means:



To have the thing mentioned as the only or most important part.
Tolerance consists in respecting other people’s opinions.



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