# reconsider

/ˌɹikənˈsɪdɝ/ (US) · /ɹˌiːkənsˈɪdɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reconsider
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to think again

verb · CEFR B2

to think about something again very carefully to see if you should change your mind.

For teachers: to deliberate on a matter a second time, often to evaluate new evidence or circumstances.

- The manager asked the committee to reconsider their decision about the budget.
- After reviewing the quarterly results, the board was forced to reconsider its aggressive expansion strategy in the overseas market.

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

### 2. to change your mind

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to decide not to do something you had planned, or to change your opinion.

For teachers: to undergo a change of mind regarding a previous commitment or viewpoint.

- I know you said no, but please reconsider.
- The witness initially refused to testify, but after speaking with her lawyer, she decided to reconsider.

Usage: Frequently used as an intransitive verb in the imperative or in polite requests.

## Examples

- Please reconsider your decision to leave the team.
- After seeing the high cost of repairs, the couple decided to reconsider buying the old house.
- The board of directors agreed to reconsider the proposal once the legal team had addressed the potential risks associated with the merger.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.