reconsider
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to consider again, especially with a view to change of decision or action.
to reconsider a refusal.
- Synonyms:
- reevaluate, reexamine, review, rethink
-
Parliamentary Procedure. to take up for consideration a second time, as a motion or a vote, as with the view of reversing or modifying action taken.
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to consider (something) again, with a view to changing one's policy or course of action
-
(in a legislative assembly or similar body) to consider again (a bill or other matter) that has already been voted upon
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
reconsidersimple
-
reconsiderssimple
-
have reconsideredperfect
-
has reconsideredperfect
-
am reconsideringprogressive
-
are reconsideringprogressive
-
is reconsideringprogressive
-
have been reconsideringperfect progressive
-
has been reconsideringperfect progressive
Past
-
reconsideredsimple
-
had reconsideredperfect
-
was reconsideringprogressive
-
were reconsideringprogressive
-
had been reconsideringperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of reconsider
Explanation
When you reconsider something, you think about it again or in a new way. You might decline your grandfather's invitation to the circus, but then reconsider when you see that Gunther the famous lion tamer is showing up. When you reconsider, you usually end up changing your mind about your initial decision or opinion. Your neighbor might be planning to vote for a candidate you dislike; however, if you do a good enough job arguing in favor of a different candidate, she might reconsider her vote. The Latin root of consider is considerare, "look at closely," or "observe the stars." Reconsider adds the "again" prefix re-.
Vocabulary lists containing reconsider
re-
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
re-
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Unit 5, Week 2
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Likewise, viewers will not be startled when Marina eventually discovers painful secrets about her mom and dad that cause her to reconsider those phantom figures.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026
The St. Louis Fed said afterward it would reconsider participating in such events going forward.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 19, 2026
Burnham told BBC Newsnight he wanted to reconsider the increase in National Insurance paid by employers, brought in by Rachel Reeves in the 2024 Budget.
From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026
Now, as investors test the liquidity provisions of those funds, some of those managers are likely to reconsider both the size and quality of the loans they made.
From Barron's • Jun. 18, 2026
“If Millard doesn’t make it, I might reconsider that.”
From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs
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.
