early 15c., "one who squanders or wastes," agent noun from consume. In economic sense, "one who uses up goods or articles" (opposite of producer) from 1745. Consumer goods is attested from 1890. In U.S., consumer price index calculated since 1919, tracking "changes in the prices paid by urban consumers for a representative basket of goods and services" [Bureau of Labor Statistics]; abbreviation CPI is attested by 1971.
双语例句
1. Once wholesale prices are deregulated, consumer prices will also rise.
一旦批发价格放开，零售价格也会随之上涨。
来自柯林斯例句
2. Such laws could protect the consumer from harmful or dangerous remedies.
这样的法规可以保护消费者免受有害或者危险药品的威胁。
来自柯林斯例句
3. The Treasury has long been predicting an upturn in consumer spending.
财政部早就预测消费者支出会出现上扬。
来自柯林斯例句
4. The reduced consumer demand is also affecting company profits.
消费需求的降低也影响到了公司的利润。
来自柯林斯例句
5. The consumer is getting screwed by cover charges as well.
