CONSIDER

Definition of CONSIDER

CONSIDER Verb

Consider means to think carefully about something before making a decision, forming an opinion, or taking action. It involves thoughtful evaluation, weighing different factors, and assessing possible outcomes. Consider is often used in decision-making, problem-solving, and discussions where careful thought and deliberation are required.

Thoughtful Evaluation: At its core, consider implies giving serious attention to a matter. This can involve analyzing evidence, reflecting on different perspectives, and assessing risks or benefits. Whether making a personal choice, a business decision, or a legal judgment, the ability to consider various aspects leads to more informed and balanced conclusions.

Decision-Making and Judgment: Consider plays a crucial role in decision-making, encouraging individuals to think before acting. When faced with important choices, people must consider their options, potential consequences, and long-term implications. Careful consideration helps avoid impulsive decisions and leads to more strategic and beneficial outcomes.

Respecting Perspectives and Opinions: To consider also means to acknowledge and take into account different viewpoints, feelings, or circumstances. In discussions and debates, individuals are encouraged to consider opposing arguments and respect others’ perspectives before forming their own opinions. This fosters open-mindedness, empathy, and productive communication.

Legal and Ethical Contexts: In legal and ethical matters, consider is often associated with careful deliberation of rights, responsibilities, and moral implications. Courts and lawmakers must consider evidence, precedents, and ethical principles when making judgments or drafting laws. Similarly, ethical dilemmas require individuals to consider the impact of their choices on others.

Alternative Meanings and Uses: Beyond decision-making, consider can also mean to regard something in a certain way. For example, a person may consider someone a friend, meaning they perceive them as such. Additionally, consider can be used when asking someone to reflect on an idea, such as “Consider the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.”

In conclusion, consider is a fundamental verb that signifies careful thought, evaluation, and acknowledgment of different factors in decision-making and judgment. Whether weighing options, respecting diverse viewpoints, or assessing legal and ethical matters, the act of considering plays a crucial role in fostering informed, fair, and responsible choices in various aspects of life.

Examples of CONSIDER in a sentence

• Please consider all the options before making your final decision.
• She didn’t consider the consequences of her actions.
• They asked me to consider joining the new project team.
• We should consider the environmental impact of the construction.
• Have you considered applying for that scholarship?
• He failed to consider how his words might affect others.
• The committee will consider your application next week.
• Before buying the car, I want to consider its maintenance costs.

Origin of CONSIDER

The term consider is primarily a verb that means to think carefully about something, to regard or contemplate with attention, or to take into account when making a decision.

Semantic Context: To consider involves deliberate thought, reflection, or evaluation of an idea, situation, or person. It can also mean to regard someone or something in a particular way or to factor something into one’s judgment or plans.

• Etymological Roots:
  Consider derives from the Latin considerare, which means “to look at closely, observe, examine.” This Latin verb combines con- (“with, together”) and sidus (genitive sideris), meaning “star” or “heavenly body.” Originally, it implied the act of observing the stars carefully—symbolizing careful thought or contemplation.
• Historical Development:
  The term entered English through Old French considerer and Middle English consideren, retaining its sense of thoughtful examination. Over centuries, it broadened from a literal sense of observing the stars to a general meaning of pondering, evaluating, or taking into account.
• Cultural and Professional Applications:
  In everyday language, consider is used to describe thinking something over before deciding. In legal and formal contexts, it refers to weighing evidence or factors carefully. In philosophy and psychology, it relates to reflection and conscious deliberation.
• Current Usage:
  Today, consider is widely used in personal, academic, professional, and legal contexts to express the act of careful thought, evaluation, or regard. It also appears in fixed expressions such as “consider it done” or “consider the consequences.”

In summary, consider traces back to Latin roots meaning “to observe the stars” and has evolved into a verb expressing careful thought, reflection, and evaluation, integral to decision-making and judgment in diverse contexts.