considering
UK[kənˈsɪdərɪŋ]US[kənˈsɪdərɪŋ]
prep
used to show that you are thinking about a particular fact when giving your opinion
conj
used to introduce a fact that may be important or useful and should be thought about in relation to something else
Morpheme Breakdown
con
sider
ing
con
with, together, thoroughly
sider
star, constellation
ing
Etymology
The word 'considering' originates from the Latin verb 'considerare', which meant 'to look at closely, observe, examine'. This verb itself was formed from the intensive prefix 'con-' (meaning 'with' or 'thoroughly') and 'siderare', derived from 'sidus' (star, constellation). The literal sense was 'to observe the stars', reflecting the ancient practice of careful celestial observation for divination or navigation. Over time, the meaning broadened from physical observation to the mental act of contemplation and careful thought. The modern English form 'considering' developed from the present participle of the verb 'consider', evolving into its current grammatical roles as a preposition and conjunction that introduces a factor for thoughtful examination.
Analysis
Structure: con + sider + ing
- con: Latin origin, meaning 'with, together, thoroughly'. A prefix indicating completeness or association.
- sider: Latin origin, from 'sidus, sider-' meaning 'star, constellation'. In this context, it relates to observing or examining the stars.
- ing: Old English origin, a suffix used to form present participles and gerunds, indicating an action or state.
Examples
Considering the weather, we should postpone the picnic.
He did very well on the test, considering how little he studied.
The project was completed on time, considering all the delays we faced.