What does considerate mean?
Considerate describes someone who thinks carefully about the feelings, needs, and comfort of others and acts so as not to cause them inconvenience or hurt. A considerate person might lower their voice on a late-night train, remember a colleague's dietary restrictions when planning lunch, or warn neighbours before hosting a noisy party. The word carries an entirely positive connotation and functions comfortably in both everyday speech and formal writing: we praise considerate drivers, considerate guests, and considerate employers alike. Grammatically it is an adjective, often paired with the preposition 'of' ('it was considerate of you to wait') or 'towards' ('she is always considerate towards her staff'). Derived forms include the adverb 'considerately' and the noun 'considerateness', though 'consideration' more commonly serves as its abstract noun. Its Latin root, considarus-related 'considerare' ('to observe attentively'), reminds us that consideration begins with paying attention — a fitting origin for a word about noticing what others need.
adjectiveCareful not to inconvenience or harm others; showing thoughtful regard for other people's feelings, needs, or circumstances.
- Showing careful thought and concern for the feelings, wishes, or needs of others; careful to avoid inconveniencing or hurting people.
"It was considerate of her to call ahead and let us know she'd be late."
"Our considerate neighbour always shovelled the snow from our driveway before we woke up."
"In formal correspondence, a considerate closing line can leave a lasting impression."
The same Latin root that gives 'considerate' — meaning to observe the stars carefully (con- + sidus, 'star') — is why being considerate literally once meant 'star-gazing' at the people around you.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of considerate
Considerate comes from the Latin 'consideratus', the past participle of 'considerare', meaning to examine or observe attentively — literally 'to observe the stars' (from 'sidus', star). The word entered English in the early 17th century, initially carrying senses relating to careful deliberation before narrowing toward its modern meaning of thoughtful regard for others. It shares this root with 'consider', 'consideration', and 'considered'.
Related word forms
How considerate is actually used
Considerate is uniformly positive in connotation and standard across all registers, from casual speech to formal writing. It typically takes the preposition 'of' when followed by the person showing the quality ('it was considerate of him') or 'towards/toward' when describing behaviour directed at others.
Easily confused with considerate
Inconsiderate is the direct antonym, meaning failing to show regard for others' feelings or needs.