consider
Americanverb (used with object)
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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
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to regard as or deem to be.
I consider the story improbable.
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to think, believe, or suppose.
We consider his reply unsatisfactory.
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to bear in mind; make allowance for.
The arrest was justified if you consider his disorderly behavior.
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to pay attention to; regard.
He considered the man for some time before speaking to him.
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to regard with respect, thoughtfulness, honor, etc.; esteem.
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to think about (something that one might do, accept, buy, etc.).
to consider a job in Guatemala.
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Obsolete. to view attentively; scrutinize.
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Obsolete. to recompense or remunerate.
verb (used without object)
-
to think deliberately or carefully; reflect.
-
to view carefully or thoughtfully.
verb
-
(also intr) to think carefully about or ponder on (a problem, decision, etc); contemplate
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(may take a clause as object) to judge, deem, or have as an opinion
I consider him a fool
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to have regard for; respect
consider your mother's feelings
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to look at; regard
he considered her face
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(may take a clause as object) to bear in mind as possible or acceptable
when buying a car consider this make
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to describe or discuss
in this programme we consider the traffic problem
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(may take a clause as object) to keep in mind and make allowances (for)
consider his childhood
Usage
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.
- 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.
- Used in a sentence: My teacher considered my essay to be too short and made me write it again.
Related Words
See study.
Other Word Forms
- considerer noun
- preconsider verb (used with object)
Etymology
Origin of consider
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The former, which Miller once considered calling “The Inside of His Head,” is fluidly constructed, playing fast and loose with time as it tracks the disintegrating mental life of down-and-out salesman Willy Loman.
From Los Angeles Times
“We are considering all options that will allow the CSU to continue to provide students, faculty, and staff access to AI tools, resources, and training,” the spokesperson said.
From Los Angeles Times
“If I want to watch something, I’ll throw on three episodes, but otherwise I’m so out of the loop with any other television show that might be considered current,” Fitzgerald said.
It was also considered a turning point for interest in electric vehicles, as sales surged.
From MarketWatch
The research paid special attention to people with high blood pressure and also examined a subgroup of adults considered safe candidates for salt substitutes.
From Science Daily
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.