consider

[ kuhn-sid-er ]

/ kənˈsɪd ər /

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See synonyms for: consider / considered / considering on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

to think carefully about, especially in order to make a decision; contemplate; reflect on: He considered the cost before buying the new car.

to regard as or deem to be: I consider the story improbable.

to think, believe, or suppose: We consider his reply unsatisfactory.

to bear in mind; make allowance for: The arrest was justified if you consider his disorderly behavior.

to pay attention to; regard: He considered the man for some time before speaking to him.

to regard with respect, thoughtfulness, honor, etc.; esteem.

to think about (something that one might do, accept, buy, etc.): to consider a job in Guatemala.

Obsolete. to view attentively; scrutinize.

Obsolete. to recompense or remunerate.

verb (used without object)

to think deliberately or carefully; reflect.

to view carefully or thoughtfully.

OTHER WORDS FOR consider

1 ponder, deliberate, weigh.

See synonyms for consider on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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” (see sidereal) + -āre infinitive suffix

synonym study for consider

1. See study.

OTHER WORDS FROM consider

con·sid·er·er, nounpre·con·sid·er, verb (used with object)

Words nearby consider

conservatorium, conservatorship, conservatory, conserve, Consett, consider, considerable, considerably, considerance, considerate, consideration

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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?

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

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

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.

How to use consider in a sentence

For example, the models would consider an advertiser’s TV advertising as a whole rather than break it down at the specific network level.
NBCUniversal tests new measurement program to prove it can push product sales for advertisers|Tim Peterson|September 17, 2020|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.
Courts may reconsider temporary coronavirus restrictions as pandemic drags on|Anne Gearan, Karin Brulliard|September 16, 2020|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.
ProPublica’s Pandemic Guide to Making Sure Your Vote Counts|by Susie Armitage|September 16, 2020|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.
Trump, in town hall, says he wouldn’t have done anything differently on pandemic|Colby Itkowitz, Josh Dawsey, Felicia Sonmez, John Wagner|September 16, 2020|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.
This essential survival tool can save your life 10 different ways|By Tim MacWelch/Outdoor Life|September 15, 2020|Popular-Science
But consider how citizens here in the States are now being arrested for posting threatening messages aimed at police on Facebook.
Politicians Only Love Journalists When They're Dead|Luke O’Neil|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
That is a distinction with a sociological difference—for many, an uncomfortable one to consider.
No Gods, No Cops, No Masters|James Poulos|January 1, 2015|DAILY BEAST
We knew that many academics today would consider our mission naïve.
American Democracy Under Threat for 250 Years|Jedediah Purdy|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Consider, too, that in this digital age, making something public is not only easier but has greater reach.
Public Marriage Proposals Must Die|Tauriq Moosa|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
These young adults have voluntarily checked out of a political system they consider corrupt and dysfunctional.
When Will We See a #Millennial Congress?|Linda Killian|December 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Women generally consider consequences in love, seldom in resentment.
Pearls of Thought|Maturin M. Ballou
Entrez donc, 'tis the work of one of your compatriots; and here, though a heretic, you may consider yourself on English ground.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 60, No. 372, October 1846|Various
Election of representatives from New York to consider the federal constitution held.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology|Joel Munsell
It is a very common error to consider these deposits as evidence of excessive excretion.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
But consider what it will be when the system is adopted on a more comprehensive scale.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various

British Dictionary definitions for consider

consider

/ (kənˈsɪdə) /

verb (mainly tr)

(also intr) to think carefully about or ponder on (a problem, decision, etc); contemplate

(may take a clause as object) to judge, deem, or have as an opinionI consider him a fool

to have regard for; respectconsider your mother's feelings

to look at; regardhe considered her face

(may take a clause as object) to bear in mind as possible or acceptablewhen buying a car consider this make

to describe or discussin this programme we consider the traffic problem

(may take a clause as object) to keep in mind and make allowances (for)consider his childhood

Derived forms of consider

considerer, noun

Word Origin for consider

C14: from Latin consīderāre to inspect closely, literally: to observe the stars, from sīdus star

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

consider

OTHER WORDS FOR consider

Origin of consider

synonym study for consider

OTHER WORDS FROM consider

Words nearby consider

MORE ABOUT CONSIDER

What is a basic definition of consider?

Where does consider come from?

Did you know ... ?

How is consider used in real life?

Try using consider!

Words related to consider

How to use consider in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for consider

Derived forms of consider

Word Origin for consider