considerate

American  

[kuhn-sid-er-it] / kənˈsɪd ər ɪt /

adjective

1. showing kindly awareness or regard for another's feelings, circumstances, etc..

   a very considerate critic.

   Synonyms:

   concerned, patient, kind

2. carefully considered; deliberate.

3. marked by consideration or reflection; deliberate; prudent.

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considerate British  

/ kənˈsɪdərɪt /

adjective

1. thoughtful towards other people; kind

2. rare carefully thought out; considered

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Related Words

See thoughtful.

Other Word Forms

• considerately
  adverb
• considerateness
  noun
• overconsiderate
  adjective
• overconsiderately
  adverb
• overconsiderateness
  noun
• quasi-considerate
  adjective
• quasi-considerately
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of considerate

First recorded in 1375–1425 for earlier sense; 1565–75 for current senses; late Middle English, from Latin consīderātus (past participle of consīderāre “to examine, consider” ), equivalent to consīderā- (stem of consīderāre ) + -tus past participle suffix; see consider

Explanation

Being considerate is being polite and caring. People like it when you're considerate of their feelings. We could all probably be more considerate of others: this word means you're thinking of other people — considering them — and then treating them decently and with respect. It's considerate to say "please" and "thank you" to people. It's considerate to excuse yourself, rather than walking out and slamming the door. Asking someone how they feel is usually considerate. A considerate person is kind and thoughtful — a good person to know.

Example Sentences

Chang’s line of thinking was measured and considerate, a concept that feels so outdated it’s almost nostalgic.

From Salon • Mar. 11, 2026

It’s the little, considerate gestures that your host will remember.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 17, 2026

It occurs because people have greater access to their own internal feelings -- such as appearing considerate or avoiding social discomfort -- than to others' psychological experiences.

From Science Daily • Jan. 12, 2026

“We saw that growth really scale up during those days, especially in this environment where consumers are very considerate about prices out there,” said Vivek Pandya, director of Adobe Digital Insights.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 7, 2026

During the Great War, the German soldiers who occupied Poland were usually considerate of Poles, regardless of their faith.

From "The Boy on the Wooden Box" by Leon Leyson

Related Words

• accommodating
• amiable
• attentive
• charitable
• circumspect
• compassionate
• discreet
• generous
• magnanimous
• mindful
• polite
• solicitous
• sympathetic
• thoughtful
• unselfish
• warmhearted