What does considerably mean?
Considerably is an adverb meaning to a large or significant degree. It is used to stress that a difference, change, or quantity is substantial rather than marginal: prices may rise considerably, two accounts may differ considerably, or one candidate may be considerably better qualified than another. The word most often appears before comparative adjectives and adverbs — considerably faster, considerably smaller, considerably less expensive — where it intensifies the comparison, though it also modifies verbs such as vary, exceed, and improve. Its tone is neutral to formal, making it a staple of news reporting, academic prose, and business writing, while lighter alternatives like 'a lot' or 'way more' dominate casual speech. Derived from the verb consider, which traces back through Old French to the Latin considerare, 'to examine attentively', considerably carries that sense of measured judgment into modern use: it marks differences worth taking seriously.
adverbTo a notably large or important degree; by a significant amount. Used to emphasize that a difference, increase, or reduction is substantial rather than slight.
- By a significant or notable amount; to a large degree (used to modify comparatives or quantities).
"The new regulations have considerably reduced the number of accidents on the motorway."
"House prices in the capital have risen considerably over the past decade."
"She was considerably older than her classmates."
Considerably is the quiet workhorse of comparison — it turns 'a bit' into 'a lot' with a single adverb.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of considerably
Considerably derives from considerable, which comes from the verb consider, borrowed from Old French considerer and ultimately from Latin considerare, meaning to observe or examine closely. Considerable entered English around the late 16th to early 17th century, and considerably followed as its adverbial form. It shares this Latin root with related words including consideration and considerate.
Related word forms
How considerably is actually used
Neutral to formal register, common in journalism, academic writing, and business reports. It typically modifies comparative forms ('considerably larger', 'considerably cheaper') or quantifiable nouns ('cost considerably', 'differ considerably'). It is not used for absolute statements like 'considerably good'.
Easily confused with considerably
Considerate means thoughtful of others' feelings, while considerably means to a large degree; they are different words from the same Latin root.