Etymologically
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reconsider

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 26 October 2026 at 01:27. This address is a permanent link to this version.
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Pronunciation

  • UK: /ˈɹiːkənˌsɪdə/[1]
  • US: /ˈɹikənˌsɪdɚ/[1]

Etymology

It is formed from English re- + consider.[2][3][4][5][6] Etymonline takes it partly from French reconsidérer as well;[7] the OED compares reconsiderer and the French verb, recorded from 1311 but rare between the 16th and the 20th centuries.[2] The base verb consider comes through Old French considerer from Latin cōnsīderō (“to look at closely, observe”).[7]

Earliest recorded meaning

To consider a matter again: 1571, in A. Golding's translation of Calvin's commentary on the Psalms.[2] Etymonline dates it to the 1570s, in the sense "to turn over in the mind again".[7]

Semantic evolution

The sense "to think over a decision or opinion again, with a view to changing it", now the main one, appears in 1622;[2] Etymonline dates it only by 1849.[7] From 1665 the verb was also used reflexively for reflecting on one's own conduct, with a view to repenting or mending it, a use now rare.[2] In a legislature or meeting it also means to take up again a motion or bill that has already been voted on.[3][8]

Timeline

  • 1571 – to consider a matter again.[2][3]
  • 1622 – to reconsider a decision or opinion with a view to changing it.[2]
  • 1665 – reflexive, to reflect on one's conduct (now rare).[2]
  • 1849 – the sense of reviewing a decision, according to Etymonline.[7]

Meanings

Verb

  1. To think again about a decision, plan or opinion, especially with a view to changing or reversing it: The board agreed to reconsider its refusal.[3][8][2]
  2. Of a legislature or meeting, to take up again a motion or bill that has already been voted on.[3][8]
  3. To consider something again; to think it over once more.[3][2]

Word family

  • reconsideration
  • unreconsidered

References

  1. ^ a b Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Oxford English Dictionary Online (accessed March 2026), Oxford: Oxford University Press
  3. ^ a b c d e f Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
  4. ^ Shorter Oxford English Dictionary on Historical Principles (2002), 5th ed., ed. William R. Trumble and Angus Stevenson, Oxford: Oxford University Press
  5. ^ Klein, Ernest. A Comprehensive Etymological Dictionary of the English Language. 2 vols. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 1966–1967.
  6. ^ Dictionary.com Unabridged (2016), based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, New York: Random House
  7. ^ a b c d e Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  8. ^ a b c Collins English Dictionary (2023), Glasgow: HarperCollins