consider

American  

[kuhn-sid-er] / kənˈsɪd ər /

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.

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verb (used without object)

1. to think deliberately or carefully; reflect.

2. to view carefully or thoughtfully.

consider British  

/ 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

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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. 

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. 

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

Explanation

Consider is a verb that simply means to think about, look at, or judge. Consider, for a moment, the perks of house sitting for your pool-owning neighbors before you immediately refuse their request. Coming to us from the Latin word considerare, meaning “to look at closely" or "observe,” consider is a very common word that describes something you likely do multiple times a day: You probably consider what to wear in the morning, weigh your options for lunch, take into account the weather when deciding to grab your umbrella. Your life is full of consideration and you didn't even know it!

Example Sentences

And when it does, shipowners will still have to consider the risks of fiendish new challenges that the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

“We have to look at different ways of managing trail networks and snowpacks. And I think if there’s more technology out there or more options to consider, I think we have to do that.”

From Slate • Apr. 11, 2026

People adept at video games should consider taking jobs as air traffic controllers, the US government has said, as it tries to address a shortage of workers in the sector.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

On a recent trip to Denver, one of Dubuque’s trucks had to consider returning empty, as the going rate barely covered gas to get back to Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

When a source suddenly goes silent, you must consider the possibility that he has been caught and forced to talk.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

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