What does considering mean?
Considering functions in English in two main ways. Most distinctively, it acts as a preposition or conjunction meaning 'in view of' or 'taking into account': 'Considering the storm, attendance was excellent.' In this role it weighs a limiting fact against an outcome, usually implying the outcome is better than circumstances would suggest — which gives the word a subtly encouraging tone. It can even stand alone in casual speech ('Not bad, considering.'), with the unstated circumstances understood. Its second role is grammatical rather than lexical: 'considering' is the present participle of the verb 'consider', appearing in progressive forms such as 'we are considering your application' and in participial phrases like 'considering all the options, she chose the simplest'. Derived from Latin roots relating to careful observation and thought, the word links everyday judgment to deliberate mental effort. Its flexibility across registers — from chatty understatement to committee minutes — makes it one of the more versatile connective words in the language.
In view of; taking into account the fact that.
"Considering his age, he remains remarkably active."
Taking into consideration the fact that; since (used to introduce a clause).
"They did well, considering they had so little time to prepare."
Often followed by 'that' or nothing at all; the concessive nuance implies the result exceeds expectations.
Present participle of 'consider': to think about carefully, or to regard someone or something in a specified way.
"She sat quietly, considering her next move."
Despite looking like a verb caught mid-thought, 'considering' quietly moonlights as a full preposition — one of the few participles in English to pull off that double life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of considering
'Considering' derives from the verb 'consider', which entered Middle English from Old French 'considerer', itself from Latin 'considerare', meaning to observe closely or contemplate — literally suggesting 'to examine the stars' (from 'sidus', star). The participial use evolved naturally from the verb, and by early modern English 'considering' had also hardened into a prepositional use meaning 'taking into account'. Its relatives include 'consideration', 'considerable', and 'considerate', all sharing the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How considering is actually used
As a preposition or conjunction, 'considering' often carries a mild concessive tone: it implies the result is surprisingly good given the circumstances. It can stand alone ('Not bad, considering.') in informal speech. As a participle it belongs to standard formal and informal usage alike; the standalone concessive use is chiefly conversational.
Easily confused with considering
'Considered' is the past tense or past participle of 'consider' (or means 'carefully thought out'), while 'considering' is the ongoing form or the preposition meaning 'in view of'.