considerate

/kənˈsɪdɚət/
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Mindful of what people or circumstances require before acting.

Examples

  • Such a considerate decision was unusual in the hurried proceedings.
  • A considerate driver slowed down near the horses.
  • It was considerate of Maya to warn us about the noise.
  • The committee issued a considerate response after reviewing the evidence.
  • Her considerate judgment weighed both the cost and the likely benefit.

Similar words

thoughtful
kind
reasoned
careful
caring
thoughtful
deliberate
respectful
considered
attentive

Meanings

Caring about other people's needs

adjective
social
neutral
Showing care for another person's needs, wishes, feelings, or circumstances through kind and respectful behavior.

Examples

  • It was considerate of Maya to warn us about the noise.
  • Please be considerate of neighbors who work at night.
  • A considerate driver slowed down near the horses.
  • Was the hotel staff considerate when your plans changed?
  • He left a considerate note instead of waking the baby.

Similar words

Carefully thought out

adjective
decision making
archaic
Carefully thought about before being decided or done, a rare or historical use now usually expressed by considered or deliberate.

Examples

  • The committee issued a considerate response after reviewing the evidence.
  • Her considerate judgment weighed both the cost and the likely benefit.
  • The old report praised his considerate approach to the dispute.
  • Such a considerate decision was unusual in the hurried proceedings.
  • The proposal was described as considerate, not impulsive.

Similar words

Etymology

From Latin consideratus, the past participle of considerare, meaning to examine or think about carefully. The sense of showing care for other people's feelings and circumstances developed around 1700 from older meanings connected with deliberate thought.

FAQ

What does considerate mean?

Considerate usually means caring about other people's needs, wishes, feelings, or circumstances.

How do you pronounce considerate?

In General American English, considerate is pronounced /kənˈsɪdɚət/.

What is the difference between considerate and thoughtful?

Both can describe care for others, but considerate often stresses avoiding inconvenience or hurt, while thoughtful can also stress anticipating a need.

What preposition commonly follows considerate?

The usual pattern is considerate of, as in “Be considerate of the neighbors.”

What is the opposite of considerate?

Common opposites include inconsiderate, thoughtless, selfish, and insensitive.

Can considerate mean carefully thought out?

Yes, but that sense is rare or historical. Modern English normally uses considered or deliberate instead.

Where does considerate come from?

Considerate comes from Latin consideratus, a form of considerare, meaning to examine or think about carefully.

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