Consideration
kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃən
Definitions
4 meaningsThe act of carefully thinking about or studying something; the process of giving something attention.
kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃən
Careful thought or deliberation.
After careful consideration, she decided to accept the job offer.
💡 Simply: Like when you're deciding whether to buy a new video game - you give it careful consideration, right? You think about the price, how much fun it will be, and if you even have time to play it.
👶 For kids: Thinking really carefully about something, like when you're deciding what to eat for dinner!
More Examples
The committee gave the matter serious consideration before voting.
The company is giving consideration to expanding its operations.
How It's Used
"The board of directors will give the proposal careful consideration."
"The politician asked for careful consideration of the bill."
The act of thinking of the feelings and needs of others.
kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃən
Thoughtfulness for others; kindness.
She always shows consideration for others.
💡 Simply: Like when you're playing a game, and you let someone else go first because you know they're excited, that's showing consideration.
👶 For kids: Being nice and thinking about how other people feel.
More Examples
His consideration for the environment was evident in his actions.
It's important to have consideration for other people's feelings.
How It's Used
"He showed great consideration for his elderly neighbor by helping her with her groceries."
"Showing consideration for the feelings of others is essential for good relationships."
A factor or piece of information that needs to be thought about when making a decision or forming a judgment.
kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃən
A matter that must be taken into account when making a decision.
Safety is an important consideration when designing the building.
💡 Simply: Think of it like building a Lego set - the instructions, the pieces, the space you have - those are all considerations you have to think about to build it right.
👶 For kids: Things you need to think about before you decide something, like whether it's raining before you decide to go outside.
More Examples
The impact on the environment is a key consideration.
Tax implications are a major consideration for any investment.
How It's Used
"Cost is a major consideration when planning the budget."
"The judge took all the relevant considerations into account before passing judgment."
Something of value exchanged by the parties involved in a contract.
kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃən
Something given in exchange for something else.
In contract law, consideration must be present for an agreement to be legally binding.
💡 Simply: When you buy a toy, the money you pay is the consideration; you give something, and they give you something.
👶 For kids: What you give in a trade! If you give someone a cookie, the cookie is your 'consideration'.
More Examples
The consideration for the services was a monthly payment.
The agreement lacked proper consideration and was therefore invalid.
How It's Used
"The consideration for the contract was the sale of the house."
"What consideration are we offering our new partner?"
Idioms & expressions
under consideration
Being thought about or discussed, but no decision has been made.
"The proposal is still under consideration."
give something consideration
To think carefully about something.
"The committee will give the matter full consideration."
show consideration (for)
To be thoughtful and kind towards someone.
"He showed great consideration for his elderly neighbor."
From Middle English consideracioun, from Old French consideracion, from Latin consideratio (“an observing, consideration”), from considero (“to observe, consider”).
The word 'consideration' has been used since the 14th century, evolving from its Latin roots, reflecting the importance of thoughtful decision-making and kindness in various aspects of life and society.
Memory tip
Think of "sider" as a "side" or perspective. Consideration involves looking at all sides before making a decision.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: considero