What does "consider" mean?
To think about seriously.
Consider
/kənˈsɪdə/ verb
verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: To think about seriously.
- Grammar: consider is listed as verb.
- Nearest alternatives: regard, weigh, account, account as.
- Useful contrasts: be ignored, brushes, bullhorns.
- Usage evidence: Let's consider the worst that could happen.
How to use "consider"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "consider" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "consider" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "consider" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "consider" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "consider" is acting as verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "regard" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "consider", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To think about seriously. transitive
"Consider that we’ve had three major events and the year has hardly begun."
- 2 judge or regard; look upon; judge wordnet
- 3 To think about something seriously or carefully: to deliberate. intransitive
- 4 deem to be wordnet
- 5 To think about whether one will do (an action); to weigh as a possible course of action. transitive
"I’m considering going to the beach tomorrow."
Show 13 more definitions
- 6 regard or treat with consideration, respect, and esteem wordnet
- 7 To assign some quality to. ditransitive
"Consider yourself lucky, but consider your opponent skillful."
- 8 take into consideration for exemplifying purposes wordnet
- 9 To look at attentively. transitive
"She sat there for a moment, considering him."
- 10 think about carefully; weigh wordnet
- 11 To take up as an example. transitive
"Consider a triangle having three equal sides."
- 12 show consideration for; take into account wordnet
- 13 To debate (or dispose of) a motion. transitive
"This body will now consider the proposed amendments to Section 453 of the zoning code."
- 14 look at carefully; study mentally wordnet
- 15 To have regard to; to take into view or account; to pay due attention to; to respect.
"He never seems to consider the feelings of others."
- 16 look at attentively wordnet
- 17 To believe or opine (that).
"Mother very rightly resented the slightest hint of condescension. She considered that the exclusiveness of Peter's circle was due not to its distinction, but to the fact that it was an inner Babylon of prodigality and whoredom,[…]."
- 18 give careful consideration to wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Let's consider the worst that could happen."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "consider"?
Common synonyms include: regard, weigh, account, account as, account for individual differences, acknowledge.
How do you use "consider" in a sentence?
Let's consider the worst that could happen.
How do you pronounce "consider"?
Pronounced /kənˈsɪdə/.
Etymology
From Middle English consideren, from Middle French considerer, from Latin considerare.