Main Entry: con·sid·er

Pronunciation: \kən-ˈsi-dər\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): con·sid·ered; con·sid·er·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French considerer, from Latin considerare to observe, think about, from com- + sider-, sidus heavenly body

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 : to think about carefully: 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 <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
4 : to come to judge or classify <consider thrift essential>
5 : regard <his works are well considered abroad>
6 : supposeintransitive verb : reflect, deliberate <paused a moment to consider>

synonyms 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>.