consider

verb

con·​sid·​er kən-ˈsi-dər 

considered; considering kən-ˈsi-d(ə-)riŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to think about carefully: such as

a

: to think of especially with regard to taking some action

is considering you for the job

considered moving to the city

b

: to take into account

The defendant's age must be considered.

2

: to regard or treat in an attentive or kindly way

He considered her every wish.

3

: to gaze on steadily or reflectively

The old gentleman considered him attentively.

—Edith Wharton

4

: to come to judge or classify

consider thrift essential

5

: regard

His works are well considered abroad.

6

: suppose

I consider it's best that he left when he did.

intransitive verb

: reflect, deliberate

paused a moment to consider

Synonyms

• account
• call
• count
• esteem
• hold
• look (on or upon)
• rate
• reckon
• regard
• set down
• view

Choose the Right Synonym for consider

consider, study, contemplate, weigh mean to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision.

consider may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision.

refused even to consider my proposal

study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae.

study the plan closely

contemplate stresses focusing one's thoughts on something but does not imply coming to a conclusion or decision.

contemplate the consequences of refusing

weigh implies attempting to reach the truth or arrive at a decision by balancing conflicting claims or evidence.

weigh the pros and cons of the case

Examples of consider in a Sentence

We are considering you for the job.

She refused to consider my request.

He seriously considered changing careers.

The jury has considered the evidence and reached a verdict.

The policy was well researched and well considered.

Please consider what I've said.

We never considered the possibility that the plan could fail.

He paused a moment to consider before responding.

You have to consider that he is only three years old.

When you consider how long she worked there, it's surprising that she would leave so suddenly.

Recent Examples on the Web

Michigan is among the handful of states considered key to deciding the presidential election. —Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 2 Nov. 2024

Congress could also consider a separate bill focused exclusively on election betting. —Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 1 Nov. 2024

Things like school programs and extracurriculars, as well as school characteristics like size, should also be considered, according to the board. —Madeleine Parrish, The Arizona Republic, 1 Nov. 2024

Make volunteerism a part of your company culture, and consider planning regular days of service that allow all employees to participate. —Trevor Riggen, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French considerer, from Latin considerare to observe, think about, from com- + sider-, sidus heavenly body

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing consider

• consider it done
• consider oneself lucky/fortunate

Kids Definition

consider

verb

con·​sid·​er kən-ˈsid-ər 

considered; considering -(ə-)riŋ 

1

a

: to think about carefully

consider your options

b

: to think about with the idea of taking some action

we are considering you for the job

2

: to treat in a kind or thoughtful way

you never consider my feelings

3

: to think of in a certain way

consider the price too high