What is consideration? Pronunciation and usage in English

consideration means . Learn how to pronounce and use consideration through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of consideration

considerationnoun

/kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of consideration

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "consideration." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown with phonetic transcription and tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/ˌkənˌsɪd·əˈraɪʃən/

Let's break this down syllable by syllable:

  • con: /kən/ (Similar to "con" in "consonant") - Short "uh" sound
  • sid: /ˌsɪd/ (Like "seed") - Stress is on this syllable.
  • er: /ər/ – This is the “er” sound, like in “her” or “stir”. It’s a short, unstressed sound.
  • a: /ə/ – This is a schwa sound, a very short, neutral “uh” sound. It's often relaxed.
  • tion: /ʃən/ – This is the tricky part! It sounds like "shun" but with a slightly more open “uh” sound at the end.

2. Putting it Together – A Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. "Con": Say "con" – like "con" in "concert".
  2. "Sid": Say "seed" – make the stress here.
  3. "er": Say a short, quick "er" sound, like the "er" in "her".
  4. "a": Say a very relaxed, almost silent "uh" sound – think of the "a" in "about".
  5. "tion": This is the key! Say "shun" – almost like “shun” but with a slightly wider “uh” sound at the end.

3. Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable: “sid.” This is crucial.
  • Schwa Sound: The “a” is a schwa. Don't try to force it to be a long "a" sound. Keep it relaxed.
  • "Shun" Sound: Really focus on getting that "shun" at the end. It's not just "shun," it has that open “uh” quality.
  • Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced correctly. You can find many examples online:

Example of a good pronunciation: "Con-SID-er-ay-shun" (with the emphasis on "SID")

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you more examples of words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word consideration in English

Let's break down how to use the word "consideration" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun - Meaning "Thoughtfulness" or "Attention":

  • Most Common Usage: This is the most frequent way "consideration" is used. It refers to being thoughtful, showing respect, and taking someone else's feelings into account.

    • Example: “He showed great consideration for her feelings when sharing the news.”
    • Example: "I appreciate your consideration in offering to help."
    • Synonyms: thoughtfulness, regard, kindness, attentiveness, sensitivity.

  • As a polite gesture: Offering something as a sign of respect or goodwill.

    • Example: "I'd like to make a small consideration to thank you for your hospitality." (Suggesting a small gift or token of appreciation)

2. As a Noun - Meaning "Something Given or Agreed Upon":

  • Payment or Reward: This refers to something given in exchange for something else – like a price, a bonus, or a favor.

    • Example: “The consideration for the car was $20,000.” (The price)
    • Example: “He received a bonus as a consideration for his hard work.”
    • Synonyms: payment, payment in kind, recompense.

  • A Factor in a Decision: A point to be taken into account.

    • Example: "The lawyer outlined all the considerations before advising his client." (Things to think about)
    • Example: "Cost is a key consideration when choosing a new car."

3. As a Noun - Meaning "A Formal Agreement or Contract":

  • Legal or Business Context: In this sense, it refers to a formal document outlining the terms of an agreement. It's often used in legal documents.
    • Example: “The consideration in the contract was the delivery of the goods by a specific date.”
    • Synonyms: agreement, contract, terms.

4. As a Verb – (Less Common):

  • To Take into Account: To think about something carefully before making a decision.
    • Example: “Please consider my suggestion before making a final decision.”
    • Synonyms: think about, contemplate, reflect on.

Here’s a table summarizing the different usages:

Usage Meaning Example
Noun (Thought) Thoughtfulness, respect, attentiveness “He showed consideration for her.”
Noun (Payment) Payment, reward, something exchanged “The consideration for the service was $50.”
Noun (Factor) A point to be weighed in a decision “Cost is a key consideration.”
Noun (Contract) A formal legal agreement “The consideration included royalties.”
Verb To think about carefully “Please consider my proposal.”

Tips for Using "Consideration" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand which meaning is intended.
  • Don't overuse it: While it’s a valuable word, using it too frequently can make your writing sound clunky.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you working on (e.g., formal essay, casual email, creative writing)?
  • Can you provide a sentence or paragraph where you’re considering using the word “consideration”?

Synonyms for the word consideration

Idioms of the word consideration

in consideration of something
(formal)as payment for something
  • a small sum in consideration of your services
on mature reflection/consideration
(formal)after thinking about something carefully and for a long time
    take something into consideration
    to think about and include a particular thing or fact when you are forming an opinion or making a decision
    • The candidates' experience and qualifications will be taken into consideration when the decision is made.
    • Taking everything into consideration, the event was a great success.

    Practice with vocabulary consideration

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. After much ___________, the committee decided to postpone the vote until next quarter.
    2. Please take into ___________ the tight deadline when preparing your proposal for the board.
    3. The team's immediate ___________ to the critical software bug prevented a major system crash.
    4. Implementing the new system requires a thorough ___________ of all potential security risks.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. Which of the following describes giving thoughtful attention or deliberation to a matter? A) consideration B) deliberation C) heed D) haste E) disregard

    2. Before implementing major policy changes, it is vital to: A) give consideration to all affected parties. B) expedite the process without delay. C) conduct thorough impact assessments. D) obtain public approval. E) show no consideration for opposing views.

    3. Demonstrating genuine ________ towards diverse team members can foster a more inclusive work environment. A) empathy B) contempt C) understanding D) consideration E) indifference

    4. The success of the negotiation depended largely on the team's ability to maintain a professional ________. A) demeanor B) façade C) composure D) posture E) attitude

    5. Which of these words describes the act of making a careful judgment or decision after a period of thought? A) impulsiveness B) spontaneity C) analysis D) resolution E) assessment

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Original: We need to think carefully about the environmental impact of this new factory. Rewrite: (Use "consideration")

    2. Original: It is vital to be aware of the feelings and needs of others in a diverse team setting. Rewrite: (Use "consideration")

    3. Original: The committee thoroughly examined all the evidence before making a ruling. Rewrite: (Do not use "consideration")

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. After much consideration, the committee decided to postpone the vote until next quarter.
    2. Please take into consideration the tight deadline when preparing your proposal for the board.
    3. The team's immediate response to the critical software bug prevented a major system crash.
    4. Implementing the new system requires a thorough assessment of all potential security risks.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. A) consideration, B) deliberation, C) heed
    2. A) give consideration to all affected parties., C) conduct thorough impact assessments., D) obtain public approval.
    3. A) empathy, C) understanding, D) consideration
    4. A) demeanor, C) composure, E) attitude
    5. C) analysis, D) resolution, E) assessment

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Rewrite: The environmental impact of this new factory requires careful consideration. (or: We need to give careful consideration to the environmental impact of this new factory.)
    2. Rewrite: It is vital to show consideration for the feelings and needs of others in a diverse team setting.
    3. Rewrite: The committee thoroughly analyzed all the evidence before making a ruling.

    Comment ()