consideration Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the process of giving careful thought to something
  2. noun information that should be kept in mind when making a decision
    condition; circumstance.
    • another consideration is the time it would take
  3. noun a discussion of a topic (as in a meeting)
    • consideration of the traffic problem took more than an hour
  4. noun kind and considerate regard for others
    thoughtfulness; considerateness.
    • he showed no consideration for her feelings
  5. noun a fee charged in advance to retain the services of someone
    retainer.
  6. noun a considerate and thoughtful act
    thoughtfulness.

WordNet

Con*sid`er*a"tion noun
Etymology
L. consideratio: cf. F. considration.
Definitions
  1. The act or process of considering; continuous careful thought; examination; contemplation; deliberation; attention.
    Let us think with consideration. Sir P. Sidney.
    Consideration, like an angel, came. Shak.
  2. Attentive respect; appreciative regard; -- used especially in diplomatic or stately correspondence.
    The undersigned has the honor to repeat to Mr. Hulseman the assurance of his high consideration. D. Webster.
    The consideration with which he was treated. Whewell.
  3. Thoughtful or sympathetic regard or notice.
    Consideration for the poor is a doctrine of the church. Newman.
  4. Claim to notice or regard; some degree of importance or consequence.
    Lucan is the only author of consideration among the Latin poets who was not explained for . . . the Dauphin. Addison.
  5. The result of delibration, or of attention and examonation; matured opinion; a reflection; as, considerations on the choice of a profession.
  6. That which is, or should be, taken into account as a ground of opinion or action; motive; reason.
    He was obliged, antecedent to all other considerations, to search an asylum. Dryden.
    Some considerations which are necessary to the forming of a correct judgment. Macaulay.
  7. (Law) The cause which moves a contracting party to enter into an agreement; the material cause of a contract; the price of a stripulation; compensation; equivalent. Bouvier. ✍ Consideration is what is done, or promised to be done, in exchange for a promise, and "as a mere advantage to the promisor without detriment to the promisee would not avail, the proper test is detriment to the promisee." Wharton.

Webster 1913