considerate
Americanadjective
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showing kindly awareness or regard for another's feelings, circumstances, etc..
a very considerate critic.
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carefully considered; deliberate.
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marked by consideration or reflection; deliberate; prudent.
adjective
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thoughtful towards other people; kind
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rare carefully thought out; considered
Synonym Usage
See thoughtful.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing considerate
Be Nice!
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'Tis The Season: Words For Giving
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"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney
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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 National Trust has asked people to be more considerate after a beauty spot was left covered in litter after the bank holiday weekend.
From BBC • May 28, 2026
It also proved Murphy’s glossy approach could coax viewers into considerate contemplation about systemic ills by wrapping them in celebrity skin.
From Salon • Feb. 12, 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
It’s hard to process that objectively when you are on the receiving end, and it can often obscure the many thoughtful, kind, considerate and helpful comments.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 23, 2025
Now here it was after all, preserved by some considerate hand with varnish and wax.
From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles
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.
