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v. con·sid·ered, con·sid·er·ing, con·sid·ers v.tr. 1. To think carefully about (something), especially before making a decision; I needed more time to consider my options. We considered taking the train instead of the bus. 2. To think or deem to be; regard as: considered his friend a liberal on most issues; considered her contribution essential. See Usage Note at as1. 3. To suppose or believe: considers waste to be criminal; considers that the mistake could have been prevented. 4. To take into account; bear in mind: Her success is not surprising if you consider her excellent training. 5. To show consideration for: failed to consider the feelings of others. 6. To look at thoughtfully: considered my shoes and thought they looked worn out. v.intr. To think carefully; reflect: Give me time to consider. [Middle English consideren, from Old French, from Latin cōnsīderāre, to observe attentively, contemplate (probably originally meaning "to observe the stars attentively (for the purpose of divination or marine navigation)") : com-, intensive pref.; see COM- + sīdus, sīder-, star.] con·sider·er n. Synonyms: consider, deem, regard, account, reckon These verbs mean to look upon in a particular way. Consider is the most common and the most widely applicable: She has no patience with people she considers rude. Deem is more formal and frequently implies expert judgment or authoritative opinion: "A comprehensive test ban treaty had to wait because seismological capability at the time was deemed inadequate for monitoring underground tests" (Jake Page and Charles Officer). Regard can suggest a personal attitude or point of view: We regarded their offer as generous. Account and reckon in this sense are literary and imply calculated judgment: "I account no man to be a philosopher who attempts to do more" (John Henry Newman). "I cannot reckon you as an admirer" (Nathaniel Hawthorne). |
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