Macmillan Dictionary

Did you know?

Click any word in a definition or example to find the entry for that word

consider

 - definition
 
 
 
Close

What are red words?

90% of the time, speakers of English use just 7,500 words in speech and writing. These words appear in red, and are graded with stars. One-star words are frequent, two-star words are more frequent, and three-star words are the most frequent.

Close

Thesaurus

The thesaurus of synonyms and related words is fully integrated into the dictionary entries. Click on the T button in an entry to review the synonyms and related words for that meaning.

more
verb American English pronunciation: consider /kənˈsɪdər/ 
Word Forms
Close
present tense
I/you/we/theyconsider
he/she/itconsiders
present participleconsidering
past tenseconsidered
past participleconsidered
 
  1. 1
    [intransitive/transitive] to think about something carefully before making a decision or developing an opinion

    She paused and considered for a moment.

    an important factor to consider when choosing a school

    consider whether:

    He is considering whether to accept another job offer.

    consider doing something:

    He's considering buying a used car.

    At one time I seriously considered leaving.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of consider
    1. a.
      [transitive] to formally discuss something before making a decision about it

      The committee met to consider issues relating to road maintenance.

      The jury went out to consider its verdict.

      consider someone/something for something:

      Her manuscript is being considered for publication.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of consider
  2. 2
    [intransitive/transitive] to think that something may exist or may be true
    consider the possibility:

    Have you considered the possibility that he just doesn't like you?

    consider that:

    He did not even consider that she might have a different idea.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of consider
  3. 3
    [transitive] to have a particular opinion about someone or something
    consider someone/something (to be) something:

    We all considered him a hero.

    Remarks like this are generally considered to be unacceptable today.

    They consider it inevitable that some jobs will be lost.

    Consider yourself lucky that I didn't mention it to the boss!

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of consider
  4. 4
    [transitive] to think about someone's feelings or reactions

    I need to consider my family before I make my decision.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of consider

This is the American English definition of consider. View British English definition of consider.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.

View the pronunciation for consider.

 

caxirola

a percussion instrument used by football fans which makes a rattling sound when shaken

BuzzWord Article

Word of the Day

emancipation

the process of giving freedom and rights to someone

Open Dictionary

pierce the corporate veil

… the decision to treat the rights and duties of a company as being the same as the rights and duties of its shareholders

add a word

Blog

A must for anyone with an interest in the changing face of language. The Macmillan Dictionary blog explores English as it is spoken around the world today.

global English and language change from our blog