DictionaryAI

consider

verb
kuhn-SID-ur/kənˈsɪdɚ/UKkuhn-SID-uh/kənˈsɪdə/

Formsconsiders, considering, considered

5 meanings of consider

Practice

  1. 1
    view asverb
    To regard someone or something as being of a particular kind or quality; to believe that something is so.

    Critics consider the film a landmark in animation.

    Her colleagues considered the report thorough and convincing.

    UsagePerson or thing, then the quality, with or without to be: consider her (to be) the best. Modern use usually leaves out as.

    Similarregard

    Note

    A verb of judgment built on two parts: an object and the quality pinned on it, as in consider yourself lucky. Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (1813) shows a variant with as: "I consider it as one of the first refinements of polished societies." Deem and regard are the closest synonyms.

  2. 2
    think aboutverbtransitive
    To think carefully about something, such as a proposal or whether to do something, especially before making a decision.

    The board will consider the proposal at its next meeting.

    He considered the risks carefully before signing the contract.

    UsageUse -ing or whether: consider moving, consider whether to sign (not incorrect: consider to move).

    Similarweigh, assess, evaluate

    Note

    Milton's Paradise Lost (1667) gives it its widest reach, a capacious mind that "considered all things visible." Weigh, contemplate and think over are its near synonyms.

  3. 3
    take into accountverbtransitive
    To take something into account and give it due attention or respect.

    The judge must consider all the evidence before ruling.

    Planners considered the impact on local wildlife.

    Similarheed, mind

    Oppositeignore, disregard, overlook, neglect

    Note

    The respectful end of the word: to consider people or circumstances is to give them their due weight, as when someone never seems to consider the feelings of others. William Temple's letter of 1679 turns the passive toward reputation, hoping England might be "more considered abroad," that is, more esteemed. Shakespeare's Cymbeline uses it to urge a victor to reckon with chance.

  4. 4
    take as exampleverbtransitive
    To take something up as an example for the purpose of illustration.

    Consider, for instance, the way water expands when it freezes.

    The author asks readers to consider the case of a small farm.

    UsageUsually an opening command, often followed by for example, for instance or for a moment: Consider the case of a small farm.

    Similartake

    Note

    This sense is the imperative of argument: a command that opens an illustration, from geometry (a triangle having three equal sides) to the essay. Sam Leith, writing in The Guardian Weekly in 2013, uses "Consider for a moment…" to steer readers toward a case.

Less common meaning

  1. 5
    look closelyverbtransitive
    To look at something attentively, studying it with care.

    Consider the chessboard carefully before committing to a move.

    The jeweler considered the gem under a bright light.

    Similarobserve, examine

    Note

    Here the thinking happens through the eyes. The object is a person or thing in view, studied in silence, as when someone sits "considering him." The King James Bible of 1611 already has it: "She considereth a field, and buyeth it." There, looking closely shades into judging worth. Regard and observe are its nearest synonyms.

    Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of consider apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

Latin 'considerare' passed into Middle French as 'considerer', and Middle English borrowed it as 'consideren'.