considerable

[ kuhn-sid-er-uh-buhl ]

adjective

1. rather large or great in size, distance, extent, etc.:

   It cost a considerable amount. We took a considerable length of time to decide.

2. worthy of respect, attention, etc.; important; distinguished:

   a considerable person.

noun

1. Informal. much; not a little:

   He has done considerable for the community.

adverb

1. Nonstandard: Older Use. considerably; noticeably; much:

   I'm feeling considerable better now.

considerable

/ kənˈsɪdərəbəl /

adjective

1. large enough to reckon with

   a considerable quantity

2. a lot of; much

   he had considerable courage

3. worthy of respect

   a considerable man in the scientific world

Derived Forms

• conˈsiderably, adverb

Other Words From

• uncon·sider·a·ble adjective
• uncon·sider·a·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of considerable¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin consīderābilis, from consīderā(re) “to examine” ( consider ) + -bilis -ble

Example Sentences

Buildings require considerable energy to heat and cool, so thermal energy storage offers an opportunity to shift and shape the electrical load.

From Science Daily

“Because making potent phages took considerable time and work, the quality often suffered,” Zeldovich writes.

From Salon

Even though they bought more flowers than they used for the wedding, Sarah said the savings were considerable.

From Los Angeles Times

Others say the farmers are a noisy, well-organised lobby group seeking to shield their often considerable wealth and perpetuate a privilege to the exclusion of others.

From BBC

Due to the pressure needed to push water through membranes, high energy demand is a considerable obstacle to desalination and ZLD.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• ample
• appreciable
• astronomical
• big
• extensive
• great
• hefty
• huge
• major
• noticeable
• reasonable
• sizable
• substantial