consummated

Consummated is the past participle of the verb consummate and functions as an adjective describing something that has been completed or perfected, or as the past tense in phrases such as "the contract was consummated." In the context of marriage, consummation refers to the first act of sexual intercourse after the wedding. Historically, some legal and religious systems treated consummation as an essential element of a valid marriage, with implications for annulment or dissolution if it did not occur. In modern law, requirements vary, and many jurisdictions do not condition validity on consummation, though certain communities or jurisdictions may still place significance on it.

In non-sexual contexts, to consummate can mean to bring to completion or realization, such as consummating a treaty, agreement, or deal after negotiations. The term thus covers both intimate and non-intimate uses, emphasizing finalization and fulfillment.

Etymologically, consummated derives from Latin consummatus, from consummare meaning to complete or fill up, with the sense of bringing something to its proper and final state. The concept carries different legal, cultural, and practical weights across contexts and periods, ranging from personal relationships to formal agreements.