Consider is a verb meaning to think about something carefully, especially in order to judge its value, importance, or suitability. It implies weighing options, reflecting before acting, and sometimes giving careful attention to someone’s perspective. In use, it often introduces factors to be regarded or decisions to be mindful of.
"I must consider all the options before making a decision."
"We should consider improving our safety procedures."
"She will consider your proposal and respond tomorrow."
"When you consider the source, the quote becomes more credible."
Consider originates from the Latin word considĕre, which means to examine, to inspect, or to look at closely. The root con- meaning “with, together” combines with sidĕre, “to sit, to settle, to think.” The term entered Middle English via Old French incliner and medieval Latin influences during the 14th century, evolving from senses of examining or weighing options to broader meanings of taking something into account or thinking about it deliberately. Early usage often paired with careful contemplation in legal, religious, and scholastic contexts, later expanding to general decision-making and consideration of other people’s perspectives. Over time, “consider” began to carry nuances of value judgment, prudence, and reflection, while still retaining its core sense of thoughtful examination before action. First known uses appear in philosophical and rhetorical writings where weighing evidence and weighing consequences were central tasks, and its semantic circle gradually widened to everyday discourse with common collocations such as “consider it,” “consideration for,” and “considering that.”
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Consider" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Consider" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Consider"
-der sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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Pronounce as kən-SID-er, with the main stress on the second syllable. In IPA US: /kənˈsɪdər/, UK: /kənˈsɪd.ə/, AU: /kənˈsɪd.ə/. Start with a relaxed schwa in the first syllable, then a clear /ˈsɪ/ vowel, and finally a rhotacized or light /ər/ ending. Keep the tongue mid-low for /ə/ and lift for /ɪ/; avoid tensing the jaw. Audio reference helps you hear the exact vowel transitions in connected speech.
Two frequent errors: 1) Overstressing the first syllable as con-SID-er; correct is stress on the second syllable. 2) Reducing the final -er to a clipped /ə/ or dropping it; the final /ər/ should be a light rhotic or non-rhotic ending depending on accent. Practice with minimal pairs like consider vs. conseder (wrong), or say /kənˈsɪdər/ slowly, then at normal speed to keep the final /ər/ audible.
In US and UK, stress remains on the second syllable: /kənˈsɪdər/ (US) and /kənˈsɪd.ə/ (UK). US often features a rhotic /r/ in the final syllable, resulting in /kənˈsɪdər/. UK typically has a non-rhotic ending, more like /kənˈsɪd.ə/. Australian tends toward /kənˈsɪd.ə/ with a non-rhotic ending and vowel qualities closer to UK but with Australian vowel shifts. The middle /ɪ/ tends to be a lax short i in all, but vowel length and quality can shift slightly with rhythm. IPA references align: US /kənˈsɪdər/; UK /kənˈsɪd.ə/; AU /kənˈsɪd.ə/
The difficulty lies in balancing the unstressed first syllable /kən/ with the strong mid-stressed /ˈsɪd/ and the light, often reduced final /ər/ or /ə/. The sequence can create vowel reduction and rapid consonant transitions, especially in connected speech. Misplacing the primary stress, or turning /d/ into a softer /ɾ/ in American casual speech, can blur the syllable boundary. Maintaining a clear /s/ and proper lip positioning for /ɪ/ helps stabilize timing across contexts.
Does the pronunciation of 'Consider' involve any silent letters?
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