consideration
C1Formal, Common in both written and spoken language, particularly in professional, legal, and academic contexts.
Definition
Meaning
The act of thinking carefully about something; a factor or subject that is thought about and taken into account when making a decision.
1. Careful thought, deliberation. 2. Thoughtfulness and sympathetic regard for others. 3. A payment or reward. 4. (Legal) Something of value given in exchange for a promise or performance.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun, often used in passive constructions ('to be taken into consideration') or with possessive determiners ('your consideration'). The sense of 'thoughtfulness for others' is closely related to the verb 'to consider' but has a distinct, positive interpersonal connotation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or core usage. The spelling is identical. Legal usage is identical. The plural 'considerations' (meaning 'factors') is equally common.
Connotations
Identical connotations of seriousness, deliberation, and sometimes formality.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British legal and parliamentary language, but the difference is minimal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[under consideration][for consideration][in consideration of][take something into consideration][give something consideration]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on further consideration”
- “in consideration of (the fact that)”
- “for a consideration (payment)”
- “out of consideration for (someone)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used when evaluating proposals, making strategic decisions, or discussing terms of a contract (e.g., 'Financial considerations will determine the final decision').
Academic
Used to discuss factors in a theory, ethical dimensions of research, or elements of an argument (e.g., 'Methodological considerations limit the study's conclusions').
Everyday
Used in discussions about plans, purchases, or interpersonal relationships (e.g., 'Price is an important consideration when buying a car').
Technical
Prominent in legal contexts referring to the value exchanged in a contract. Also used in engineering/design for constraints and factors.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council will consider the planning application next week.
- Have you considered moving to a smaller house?
American English
- The committee will consider the proposal at its next meeting.
- We need to consider all our options carefully.
adverb
British English
- He nodded considerately before giving his answer.
- She listened considerately to their concerns.
American English
- The manager dealt with the complaint considerately.
- He considerately offered to drive her home.
adjective
British English
- She is a very considerate neighbour.
- It was considerate of you to call.
American English
- That was a very considerate thing to do.
- Please be considerate of others in the shared workspace.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Thank you for your help. That was very considerate.
- We will think about it. It needs consideration.
- Price is an important consideration when choosing a holiday.
- After consideration, I have decided to accept the job.
- The committee will give due consideration to all applications received.
- Environmental impact is a major consideration in the project's design.
- In consideration of his previous service, the company offered him an enhanced pension.
- The judge's ruling took into consideration the mitigating circumstances presented by the defence.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CON-SIDER-ATION: A group (CON-) sits down (from Latin 'sidus' = star, but think 'sit') to ponder (-ATION) something.
Conceptual Metaphor
THINKING IS WEIGHING (weighing up considerations), FACTORS ARE OBJECTS (to be taken into account).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating 'соображение' in all contexts; 'consideration' is more formal and specific to deliberate thought. 'Consideration' (thoughtfulness) is not 'рассмотрение' (examination). The legal term 'consideration' has no direct Russian equivalent and should be translated as 'встречное удовлетворение' or explained.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'consideration' as a verb (incorrect: *'I consideration it'). Confusing 'under consideration' (being thought about) with 'taken into consideration' (factored in). Using 'consideration' for a simple opinion instead of a factor or deliberate thought.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following uses 'consideration' in its legal sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. Uncountable: 'After careful consideration...' (the process). Countable: 'There are several considerations...' (specific factors).
'Consideration' is more active and analytical, often leading to a decision. 'Contemplation' is more reflective, meditative, and not necessarily decision-oriented.
Yes, in formal or legal contexts it can mean a payment or reward, e.g., 'The information was given for a small consideration.'
It means to include something as a relevant factor. The object (what is considered) comes between 'take' and 'into consideration': 'We must take the cost into consideration.' It is often used in the passive: 'The cost must be taken into consideration.'
Collections
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Academic Vocabulary
C1 · 36 words · Formal academic language used in scholarly writing.
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