consider
Meaning
To think about something carefully before making a decision or forming an opinion.
To regard someone or something in a specified way.
To take something into account when making a judgment.
Structure
Usage
We need to consider all the options before choosing a new supplier.
She is considered an expert in her field.
The judge will consider the defendant's difficult upbringing when passing sentence.
Etymology
The verb "consider" originates from the Latin considerare, meaning "to observe the stars carefully" or "to contemplate." This term was formed by combining the intensive prefix con- ("with, thoroughly") with sīdus ("star, constellation"). The conceptual leap from stargazing to careful thought is logical: ancient astronomers would meticulously observe and study the stars to understand their patterns and influences. Over time, this literal act of close celestial observation evolved metaphorically into the modern abstract meaning of thinking about something with focused attention and thoroughness.
Analysis
- con: A Latin prefix meaning "with, together, thoroughly." - sider: From Latin sīdus (stem sīder-), meaning "star, constellation."