consider
consider
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "consider" is /kənˈsɪdər/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
kən:
/k/: Voiceless velar stop
/ə/: Schwa (mid-central vowel)
/n/: Alveolar nasal
ˈsɪ:
/s/: Voiceless alveolar fricative
/ɪ/: Near-close near-front unrounded vowel (as in "kit")
dər:
/d/: Voiced alveolar stop
/ər/: R-colored schwa (as in "butter")
Word Form Variations
Consider" is primarily a verb. It has several related forms that serve as other parts of speech.
Verb Forms:
Base Form: consider (e.g., "Please consider my offer.")
Third-person singular present: considers (e.g., "She always considers all options.")
Present participle: considering (e.g., "He is considering a new job.")
Past tense: considered (e.g., "They considered his proposal.")
Past participle: considered (e.g., "The matter was carefully considered.")
Related Forms:
Noun: consideration (e.g., "Take it into consideration.")
Adjective: considerable (e.g., "There was a considerable amount of work.")
Adjective: considerate (e.g., "He is a very considerate person.")
Adjective: considered (e.g., "A well-considered plan.")
Adverb: considerably (e.g., "The price increased considerably.")
Adverb: considerately (e.g., "She acted very considerately.")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb Definitions
To think carefully about something, typically before making a decision.
Synonyms: Deliberate, contemplate, ponder, weigh, mull over, evaluate, assess, reflect on
Antonyms: Disregard, ignore, dismiss, overlook, neglect, abandon
To regard someone or something as having a specified quality; to think of in a particular way.
Synonyms: Regard as, deem, judge, view as, believe to be, count as
Antonyms: Misinterpret, misjudge, overlook, ignore
To take (something) into account when making a decision or judgment.
Synonyms: Factor in, include, bear in mind, remember, acknowledge, allow for
Antonyms: Exclude, disregard, omit, forget, bypass
Examples of Use
Books
"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince, 1943) - This implies one must consider things beyond the superficial.
"She paused to consider the consequences of her hasty decision." (Common in novels depicting character reflection)
Newspapers and Online Publications
"Economists are urging policymakers to consider new approaches to tackle inflation." (Financial Times)
"Before adopting a pet, it's crucial to consider the long-term commitment involved." (PetMD)
"Many companies now consider remote work a permanent part of their operational strategy." (Forbes)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Film: In The Matrix (1999), Morpheus asks Neo to "take the red pill" and consider the truth of reality.
Television: "Contestants must consider all available ingredients before devising their final dish." (Heard on cooking competition shows)
Music: A song might implore a listener to "consider their actions" or the feelings of another.
Video Games: Players often need to consider various strategies and their potential outcomes before making moves in strategy games.
General Public Discourse
"Please consider my application for the scholarship." (Formal request)
"We need to consider all the facts before making a judgment." (Everyday advice for decision-making)
"He is widely considered to be one of the best players of all time." (Stating a general opinion or reputation)
"Have you had a chance to consider my proposal yet?" (Asking about someone's thought process on an offer)
10 Quotes Using Consider
"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and consider." (Mark Twain)
"The unexamined life is not worth living." (Socrates) - This quote, while not using "consider," implicitly suggests the importance to consider and reflect on one's life.
"Before you speak, consider what you say." (Attributed to various sources, a common piece of advice)
"Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers." (Voltaire) - This implies one should consider the depth of a person's inquiry.
"A man who does not consider himself to be happy is generally not so." (Blaise Pascal)
"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince) - This suggests one must consider beyond the superficial.
"I believe the most important thing for any woman to have is a comfortable pair of shoes." (Audrey Hepburn, often attributed) - While not using "consider," the choice of shoes is something one might carefully consider.
"If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday." (Pearl S. Buck) - This implies the need to consider historical context.
"Let us consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin." (Matthew 6:28, King James Version)
"Take time to consider your options carefully." (Original)
Etymology
The word "consider" comes from the Latin verb "considerare," which meant "to look at closely" or "to examine." This Latin word is thought to combine "con-" (an intensifier, meaning "thoroughly") and "sīder-" (from "sidus," meaning "star, constellation"). The original idea might have been observing the stars to gain insight or predict the future, akin to contemplating.
The first known use of "consider" in English, appearing around the late 14th century, referred to gazing at or observing attentively. This quickly evolved to its more common meaning of pondering, reflecting upon, or deliberating carefully before making a decision.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Consider
Consider all angles: To examine every possible perspective or aspect of a situation.
Example: "Before making a big investment, you should consider all angles."
Consider it done: A strong affirmation meaning something will be completed immediately and effectively.
Example: "Can you get this report to me by noon? Consider it done!"
Consider oneself lucky: To feel fortunate about a situation.
Example: "After the near miss, he could consider himself lucky to be alive."
Take into consideration: To account for something when making a decision or judgment.
Example: "We need to take into consideration the budget constraints."
Consider the source: To evaluate the reliability or bias of the person providing information.
Example: "Before you believe that rumor, you might want to consider the source."
Weigh one's options: (Using a synonym, meaning to carefully consider choices).
Example: "She's weighing her options before accepting the job offer."
Ponder the possibilities: (Using a synonym, meaning to think deeply about potential outcomes).
Example: "He spent the evening alone, pondering the possibilities."
Mull over: (An idiom meaning to think about something carefully for a period of time).
Example: "Let me mull over your proposal and get back to you."
Give thought to: (Meaning to consider or reflect upon).
Example: "Have you given any thought to your career path?"
Reflect upon: (A more formal synonym, meaning to think deeply about something from the past or present).
Example: "He took a moment to reflect upon his achievements."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of consider from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
