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

For example, the models would consider an advertiser’s TV advertising as a whole rather than break it down at the specific network level.

From Digiday

The ruling also comes as governors and mayors consider whether to renew or reinstate some restrictions this fall and winter, when a potential surge in coronavirus cases may coincide with flu season.

From Washington Post

If you’re not in a high-risk group or household, consider doing your part by signing up to work the polls yourself.

From ProPublica

Before the ACA, insurance companies could consider a person’s health status when determining premiums, sometimes making coverage unaffordable or even unavailable if a person was already sick with a problem that required expensive treatment.

From Washington Post

Build a survival bowIf you find yourself stuck in a survival emergency and you need to acquire food, consider hunting by bow and arrow.

From Popular-Science

But consider how citizens here in the States are now being arrested for posting threatening messages aimed at police on Facebook.

From The Daily Beast

That is a distinction with a sociological difference—for many, an uncomfortable one to consider.

From The Daily Beast

We knew that many academics today would consider our mission naïve.

From The Daily Beast

Consider, too, that in this digital age, making something public is not only easier but has greater reach.

From The Daily Beast

These young adults have voluntarily checked out of a political system they consider corrupt and dysfunctional.

From The Daily Beast

Women generally consider consequences in love, seldom in resentment.

From Project Gutenberg

Entrez donc, 'tis the work of one of your compatriots; and here, though a heretic, you may consider yourself on English ground.

From Project Gutenberg

Election of representatives from New York to consider the federal constitution held.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a very common error to consider these deposits as evidence of excessive excretion.

From Project Gutenberg

But consider what it will be when the system is adopted on a more comprehensive scale.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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

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.”

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to consider?

• consideration (noun)
• considerer (noun)
• preconsider (verb)
• reconsider (verb)

What are some synonyms for consider?

• contemplate
• examine
• scrutinize
• regard
• believe
• think
• view

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

• considerate
• considerable
• considering

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

• options
• alternatives
• reasons
• facts
• feelings

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.

I've considered my options & I've respectfully decided not to get out of bed & go to school in the morning

— Claire Sandy (@claire_olivia_) March 27, 2017

Real leaders know they should consider the opinions of all members of their teams; this builds trust and gets to the best outcome for all.

— Mark Hertling (@MarkHertling) April 26, 2017

I don't know about you, but I consider Metallica speed metal. Apparently, Spotify doesn't agree.

— Gregory Wagner (@gmwagner) January 3, 2020

Try using consider!

Is consider used correctly in the following sentence?

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