verb

consider

/kun-SID-er/ con·sid·er 3 syllables

To think carefully about something before deciding.

Word facts

Part of speech verb
Syllables 3
Letters 8
Scrabble® points 11
Starts with C
Level common
Usage everyday

Definition

To consider means to think carefully about something before making a decision or forming an opinion. It involves giving a matter serious thought and taking relevant factors into account.

Usage: Consider is more formal than 'think about'. Contemplate implies deeper or longer reflection. Ponder suggests turning something over in your mind slowly.

Example sentences

  1. Please consider all options before making your final decision.

  2. She considered his offer for a week before accepting.

  3. Have you ever considered learning a second language?

Synonyms

think aboutcontemplateweighreflect ondeliberateponder

Antonyms

ignoredismissoverlookdisregardrush

Word family

noun consideration
adjective considerable
adverb considerably
verb reconsider
Word origin

From Latin considerare ('to observe carefully'), from con- ('with') + siderare (related to sidus, 'star'). Literally to examine carefully, as ancient navigators observed the stars.

Memory tip

Consider contains 'side' — when you consider something you look at all its sides.

Explore this word in Word Lab

FAQ

Questions people ask

What does 'take into consideration' mean?

It means to include a factor in your thinking or decision-making.

What is the noun form of consider?

The noun is consideration. Example: The plan requires careful consideration.