Comprehensive Guide to the Word “Considerable”
Considerable – Definition and Part of Speech
The word considerable is primarily used as an adjective. It describes something that is significant or notable in size, amount, degree, or extent. When you use considerable to describe a noun (such as distance, effort, or amount), it suggests that the quantity or level of what is being discussed is worthy of attention.
Core Synonyms
Below is a table listing key synonyms for considerable. Each synonym has its own nuance, and example sentences are provided to illustrate usage. The style/register indicates where each might be most appropriately used.
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Significant | Suggests importance or influence | “The significant rise in profits exceeded forecasts.” | Formal, Business |
| Substantial | Implies a large amount or size | “Her contributions to the project were substantial.” | Academic, Professional |
| Notable | Stands out or deserves attention | “The artist made a notable impact on modern art.” | Informal, Creative |
| Sizeable | Denotes considerable volume or extent | “A sizeable portion of the budget was allocated to research.” | Business, Casual |
| Meaningful | Conveys importance in terms of significance | “The meeting concluded with some meaningful insights into the issue.” | Academic, Conversational |
Usage Notes
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Significant: This synonym is often used in contexts where the focus is on the impact or influence of something. For instance, in business reports and academic writing, you might use significant to describe findings or results that have a notable effect.
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Substantial: Best suited for scenarios involving quantity or size, particularly when discussing finances or large projects. In professional settings, this term can communicate that the amount involved is worthy of consideration.
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Notable: Ideal for informal contexts and creative writing, notable suggests something stands out from the ordinary in a memorable way. It’s often used to highlight achievements or characteristics.
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Sizeable: Commonly found in business or casual conversation when referring to amounts or dimensions that are large enough to be noteworthy but not necessarily overwhelming.
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Meaningful: Used in both academic and conversational settings, this word suggests depth of impact or importance. It’s often employed in discussions where the focus is on significance beyond just quantity or size.
Common Pitfalls
A common mistake is using considerable interchangeably with words like considered (which pertains to being thought about carefully) or confusing it with terms that don’t adequately capture its nuance, such as noticeable (which suggests something can be easily observed rather than necessarily large or impactful). Understanding the subtle differences in meaning helps choose the right word for each context.
Final Recap
To summarize, while synonyms like significant, substantial, notable, sizeable, and meaningful all convey a sense of magnitude similar to considerable, they carry unique connotations that make them suitable for different contexts. Expanding your vocabulary with these nuanced terms can enhance both written and verbal communication across various registers.
Practice using these words in context by writing sentences or incorporating them into conversation, ensuring you select the synonym that best fits your intended meaning and setting. This will not only broaden your vocabulary but also refine your expressive capabilities.