consider

verb

con·​sid·​er kən-ˈsi-dər How to pronounce consider (audio)
considered; considering kən-ˈsi-d(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce consider (audio)

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
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 To be considered, students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0, with no failing classes in the preceding three semesters in English, reading, math, science or social studies. Bill Lukitsch, Kansas City Star, 8 Mar. 2024 It’s also considered a time of forgiveness, where Muslims are encouraged to forgive and seek forgiveness. Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 8 Mar. 2024 That’s the proposal the pension board will consider Friday: reducing the city’s pension payment a total of $352 million over the next four years, but increasing the payment sharply after that. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2024 Its home field advantage is considered one of the best around, which is no surprise given Sacramento’s fervor for sports. Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 8 Mar. 2024 So often Black women are considered at the low end of the totem. Zack Sharf, Variety, 8 Mar. 2024 But until last year, colleges were allowed to consider race in admissions decisions. Karina Elwood, Washington Post, 25 Feb. 2024 The barbs came during a sketch taking aim at the controversial decision by the Alabama Supreme Court this week that now considers frozen embryos created during in vitro fertilization to be children. William Earl, Variety, 25 Feb. 2024 The oyster dress is one of the most emblematic pieces in the spring 2003 collection, and is considered by many to be among McQueen’s most iconic looks. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'consider.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of consider was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near consider

Cite this Entry

“Consider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consider. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

consider

verb
con·​sid·​er kən-ˈsid-ər How to pronounce consider (audio)
considered; considering -(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce consider (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on consider

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!