consideration

Noun

consideration (countable and uncountable, plural considerations)

1. The thought process of considering, of taking multiple or specified factors into account (with of being the main corresponding adposition).
   • After much consideration, I have decided to stay.
   • Consideration of environmental effects is needed when choosing material.

   Synonyms:

   deliberation, thought

2. Something considered as a reason or ground for a (possible) decision.
   • Speculations about the possible entire reconstruction of society give the intellectual fare much more to his taste than the more practical and short-run considerations of those who aim at a piecemeal improvement of the existing order.1949, F. A. Hayek, “The Intellectuals and Socialism”, in University of Chicago Law Review, volume 16, number 3, Chicago: University of Chicago, →DOI, page 428

   Synonyms:

   factor, motive, reason

3. The tendency to consider others and make allowances for their needs or desires.
   • You showed remarkable consideration in giving up your place for your friend.
   • Will you noisy children show some consideration and stop your infernal screaming? I'm trying to study!
4. A payment or other recompense for something done.
   • Sure I'll move my car, but only for a consideration.
   • The firm you dealt with will go to the courts, and the money, being directly traceable, will be held forfeit as no good consideration passed.1914, Ernest Bramah, Max Carrados
5. A matter of inducement for something promised; something valuable given as recompense for a promise, which causes the promise to become binding as a contract.
   • In consideration of the performance of B's obligations hereunder, A hereby grants to B's personal license.
6. Importance or regard; a claim to notice or attention.
   • Money was of no consideration there.
   • [...] settled down on a small property he had near Quimper to live for the rest of his days in peace; but the failure of an attorney left him suddenly penniless, and neither he nor his wife was willing to live in penury where they had enjoyed consideration.1919, W[illiam] Somerset Maugham, “chapter 54”, in The Moon and Sixpence, [New York, N.Y.]: Grosset & Dunlap Publishers […], →OCLC