English Reference

Word

consider

Phoneticscon·sid·er, stress on the second syllable

US/kənˈsɪdɝ/

UK/kənsˈɪdɐ/

Definitions

01to think about carefully

A2 · Elementary

v. to think about something seriously before you make a decision.

v. to think about something with care or caution, often in order to make a decision.

“Please take some time to consider our offer before you say yes.”

“The board of directors will consider the proposal during their next meeting, weighing the potential risks against the projected profits.”

Usage

Often followed by a noun phrase or a 'whether' clause.

Antonyms

02to have an opinion

B1 · Intermediate

v. to believe that someone or something has a particular quality.

v. to regard or judge someone or something as being a certain way.

“Many people consider her the best doctor in the city.”

“Historians generally consider the signing of this treaty to be the definitive end of the conflict in the region.”

Usage

Typically follows the pattern: consider + object + adjective/noun.

Pitfall

I consider him as a friend.

I consider him a friend.

When 'consider' means 'to have an opinion', you usually do not need the word 'as' before the description.

Synonyms

03to think about doing something

B1 · Intermediate

v. to think about a possible plan or action.

v. to weigh a possible course of action as a potential choice.

“We are considering moving to a bigger house next year.”

“The government is considering implementing stricter environmental regulations to combat the rising levels of urban pollution.”

Usage

Takes the -ing form of the following verb.

Pitfall

I am considering to buy a new car.

I am considering buying a new car.

When 'consider' is followed by another action, use the -ing form, not the infinitive with 'to'.

04to take into account

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to think about a particular fact when you are judging a situation.

v. to take something into account or show regard for a specific factor.

“You must consider the feelings of others before you speak.”

“When calculating the final budget, the architect had to consider the fluctuating costs of raw materials like steel and timber.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “consider” in context.

01. consider acceptable 02. consider adequate 03. consider consequence 04. consider extension 05. consider factor 06. consider impact 07. consider implication 08. currently consider 09. generally consider 10. individually consider 11. previously consider 12. separately consider

Etymology

From Middle English consideren, from Middle French considerer, from Latin considerare.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

VERB

consider(A2)

Idioms

Grammar

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Very common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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English Reference