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
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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
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to consider (something) again, with a view to changing one's policy or course of action
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(in a legislative assembly or similar body) to consider again (a bill or other matter) that has already been voted upon
Other Word Forms
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-
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re-
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Unit 5, Week 2
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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.
In the unexplained orders, the Supreme Court sent the cases back to the lower courts to reconsider in light of the high court’s Callais ruling.
From Slate • May 19, 2026
Still, LNG supply constraints are prompting some countries to reconsider coal, or at least keep the once-dominant fuel source in the mix.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026
Freeman, ever the competitor, tried to get Roberts to reconsider, but the Dodgers manager held firm.
From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2026
In 2025 the CMS received 92,700 requests from parents to reconsider a decision and in 21,400 cases the original decision was found to be incorrect or the parent supplied more information which changed the decision.
From BBC • May 15, 2026
Acting together, these German people created enough public pressure for Hitler to reconsider.
From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
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.
