Consider and Regard: Definition and Synonyms
Consider and Regard – Definition and Part of Speech
The phrase consider and regard functions primarily as a verb phrase in English. It involves two related actions—consider means to think about or examine something thoughtfully, while regard implies viewing or treating it in a particular way. When used together, this phrase suggests a thoughtful reflection followed by a judgment or perspective on the subject.
Grammatical Forms
- Consider: as a verb, can be conjugated into various forms (e.g., considering, considered).
- Regard: also acts primarily as a verb with forms like regarding and regarded. It can also be used as a noun in contexts like “with regard to.”
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appraise | To assess or judge the value or quality | “She appraised his proposal before making a decision.” | Formal/Professional |
| Contemplate | To think about something deeply and at length | “He contemplated retirement during his morning walk.” | Reflective, Informal |
| View | To look at or consider from a certain perspective | “Let’s view this issue from the customer’s point of view.” | General/Formal |
| Ponder | To think about something carefully and thoroughly | “I’ll ponder your question before responding.” | Reflective, Literary |
| Evaluate | To judge or determine the significance of something | “The committee will evaluate all applications objectively.” | Formal/Academic |
Usage Notes
-
Appraise: Common in professional contexts such as business evaluations or property assessments. It implies a value judgment often associated with expertise.
-
Contemplate: Typically used in more personal or philosophical reflections rather than decision-making processes, suitable for both written and spoken contexts that involve introspection.
-
View: A versatile synonym applicable across various styles—business reports, academic discussions, or everyday conversations—often indicating perspective-taking.
-
Ponder: Suitable for literary or reflective writing where deep consideration is implied. It’s less common in business settings but useful for expressing thorough thought processes.
-
Evaluate: Predominantly used in formal and academic contexts to describe the process of analysis and judgment, especially when results are documented or presented formally.
Common Pitfalls
-
Confusing Appraise with Evaluate: While both involve assessment, appraise is more specific to determining value or worth, whereas evaluate covers a broader range of assessments.
-
Misusing Contemplate for Decision-Making: Contemplate implies deep thought rather than immediate decision-making. It’s more about reflection than action.
Final Recap
The phrase consider and regard encompasses thoughtful examination followed by judgment. Synonyms like appraise, contemplate, view, ponder, and evaluate offer nuanced ways to express this concept, each suitable for specific contexts or registers. Understanding these subtleties can enhance communication clarity across varied settings—be it business meetings, academic papers, or casual conversations.
To master the use of these synonyms, practice integrating them into your writing and discussions. Create sentences using different synonyms in various scenarios and reflect on how their nuances change the tone or implication of your message. This active engagement will enrich your vocabulary and precision in language use.