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View synonyms for consider

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • conˈsiderer, noun
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Other Words From

  • con·sider·er noun
  • precon·sider verb (used with object)
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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of consider1

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

See study.
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Example Sentences

Knowing that many cellular functions are altered in diabetes, the researchers considered the possibility that altered protein mobility might somehow affect many proteins in cells.

Newer anti-seizure drugs that are widely used today are generally considered safe, but little is known about whether they affect cognition in children after fetal exposure.

Live sports is considered one of the great opportunities for streamers, including Netflix, which need mass audiences tuning in to please advertisers.

He said the breezy weather should really only be something to consider for those hosting outdoor Thanksgiving gatherings.

Trump is also considering businessman Trae Stephens to be the Pentagon’s No. 2, The Wall Street Journal reported.

From Salon

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More About Consider

What is a basic definition of consider?

Consider means to think carefully about something, to deem one thing as being another, or to believe something. Consider has several other senses as a verb.

When you are considering something, you are thinking very hard and very seriously about it, especially when you have to make a decision. The act of considering or something that is considered is called consideration.

  • Real-life examples: An investor considers how risky a business is before giving money to it. Hollywood casting agencies consider many different actors and actresses for roles before choosing people. You might consider whether studying for tests will improve your grades (spoiler alert: it will).
  • Used in a sentence: I didn’t consider my friend’s peanut allergy when deciding where we should eat lunch. 

Consider also means to regard one thing as being another. For example, modern scientists no longer consider Pluto to be a planet. Often, this sense of consider is based on a person’s opinion or beliefs rather than facts. However, it is possible that this sense of consider is based on science or truth, as with Pluto (sorry, Pluto fans!).

  • Real-life examples: The Beatles are considered both a rock band and a pop group by most people. Black is not considered an appropriate color for a wedding dress. Almost everyone considers not saying “please” and “thank you” to be rude behavior.
  • Used in a sentence: I don’t consider a hot dog a sandwich. 

Consider also means to think or believe something.

  • Used in a sentence: My teacher considered my essay to be too short and made me write it again. 

Where does consider come from?

The first records of consider come from around 1350. It ultimately comes from Latin verb consīderāre, meaning “to inspect closely.”

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What are some other forms related to consider?

What are some synonyms for consider?

What are some words that share a root or word element with consider

What are some words that often get used in discussing consider?

How is consider used in real life?

Consider is a very common word that often means to think carefully about something or to believe an opinion or idea.

Try using consider!

Is consider used correctly in the following sentence?

I always carefully consider all of my options before choosing what to do.

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Consettconsiderable