consider

Definitions

con- (with, thoroughly) + sider (from sīdus / sīder-, 'star'). Latin considerāre literally meant 'to observe the stars' — what augurs did when reading omens before a decision. To consider is to study things as carefully as an astronomer studies the night sky. (Note: this word's root is sider- 'star,' NOT sit — it lives under the star-root, not the sedēre family.)

Why It Means This

Consider has nothing to do with sitting — it belongs to the star-root sider- (sīdus, 'constellation'). Roman augurs read the stars before any important choice, so con-sider (to study the stars together/closely) came to mean weighing a matter as carefully as one reads the heavens. The astronomy faded; the careful weighing stayed.

Example Sentences

• 1.

  Please consider all the options before you sign anything.

• 2.

  Many critics consider her the finest writer of her generation.

• 3.

  Considering the short notice, the turnout was excellent.

Easily Confused

consider vs regard vs deem — all mean 'judge to be,' but consider is the everyday neutral choice (I consider it a mistake); regard is slightly more formal and often pairs with 'as' (regarded as a classic); deem is formal/legal and final-sounding (deemed unfit). Use consider unless you want extra formality.