considerable

American  

[kuhn-sid-er-uh-buhl] / kənˈsɪd ər ə bəl /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• considerably adverb
• unconsiderable adjective
• unconsiderably adverb

Etymology

Origin of considerable

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin consīderābilis, from consīderā(re) “to examine” ( consider ) + -bilis -ble

Example Sentences

However, considerable effort is being made in addressing these shortcomings, especially the third.

From The Wall Street Journal

The bank’s systems for risk management, compliance and internal directives had considerable defects at the time, the office said.

From The Wall Street Journal

The British Association of Social Workers said the social work sector is "under considerable strain", with the highest level of referrals to children's social services in a decade and a depleted workforce.

From BBC

Traditional fibreglass boat building requires a mould and considerable manual work to make sure the vessel is of the required strength.

From BBC

But those same hops have a considerable cost in terms of speed.

From Salon

Related Words

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