consider

[ kuhn-sid-er ]

verb (used with object)

1. to think carefully about, especially in order to make a decision; contemplate; reflect on:

   He considered the cost before buying the new car.

   Synonyms: weigh, deliberate, ponder

2. to regard as or deem to be:

   I consider the story improbable.

3. to think, believe, or suppose:

   We consider his reply unsatisfactory.

4. to bear in mind; make allowance for:

   The arrest was justified if you consider his disorderly behavior.

5. to pay attention to; regard:

   He considered the man for some time before speaking to him.

6. to regard with respect, thoughtfulness, honor, etc.; esteem.
7. to think about (something that one might do, accept, buy, etc.):

   to consider a job in Guatemala.

8. Obsolete. to view attentively; scrutinize.
9. Obsolete. to recompense or remunerate.

verb (used without object)

1. to think deliberately or carefully; reflect.
2. to view carefully or thoughtfully.

consider

/ kənˈsɪdə /

verb

1. also intr to think carefully about or ponder on (a problem, decision, etc); contemplate
2. may take a clause as object to judge, deem, or have as an opinion

   I consider him a fool

3. to have regard for; respect

   consider your mother's feelings

4. to look at; regard

   he considered her face

5. may take a clause as object to bear in mind as possible or acceptable

   when buying a car consider this make

6. to describe or discuss

   in this programme we consider the traffic problem

7. may take a clause as object to keep in mind and make allowances (for)

   consider his childhood

Derived Forms

• conˈsiderer, noun

Other Words From

• con·sider·er noun
• precon·sider verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of consider¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English consideren (from Anglo-French ) from Latin consīderāre “to examine,” equivalent to con- con- + sīder- (stem of sīdus ) “star-group, sky” ( sidereal ) + -āre infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of consider¹

C14: from Latin consīderāre to inspect closely, literally: to observe the stars, from sīdus star

Synonym Study

See study.

Example Sentences

Consider the rest that’s at stake Saturday, with USC’s hopes of bowl eligibility hanging by a thread, and you might wonder if that weight would be too much to shoulder for a young quarterback still finding his way.

From Los Angeles Times

In addition to the settlement, the council will also consider funding broader programs intended to address longstanding economic disparities in the desert city, including $20 million for housing initiatives and $1 million for local business initiatives for marginalized communities.

From Los Angeles Times

Capitol rioters made him consider conserving the court's limited "resources."

From Salon

“Campaign food is always bad, but the food that goes onto that airplane is like just poison. You have a choice between — you don’t have the choice, you’re either given KFC or Big Macs. That’s when you’re lucky and then the rest of the stuff I consider kind of inedible.”

From Salon

“I don't want there to be any limitation at all on what the Senate could consider,” Cornyn told reporters.

From Salon

Related Words

• acknowledge
• contemplate
• deal with
• examine
• favor
• grant
• look at
• recognize
• regard
• scrutinize
• see
• study