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

Other Word Forms

• unconsiderable adjective
• unconsiderably adverb
• considerably 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

Jan Jennings from the Black Country Chamber of Commerce said the chamber also had "considerable concerns" for the smaller businesses in the supply chain.

From BBC

“You’re talking about three years to start seeing some considerable building happening, and probably more like five years for something happening at some big level. But it could take up to 10 years,” Kawahara said.

From Los Angeles Times

While the purchase and stockpiling of car parts by the government is an option on the table, this would present considerable logistical challenges.

From BBC

The city also faced considerable backlash in 2006 while establishing the park’s first parking lot.

From Los Angeles Times

The most conscientious pollsters invest considerable time and effort figuring out how to model their voter samples — that is, how to best reflect the eventual composition of the electorate.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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