What does reconsider mean?
Reconsider means to think about something again, usually because new information, changed circumstances, or reflection has made an earlier decision or opinion seem less suitable. It is commonly used with decisions, plans, proposals, questions, and judgments: a person may reconsider a job offer, reconsider a route, or reconsider whether an action should be taken. The word carries a sense of deliberate revision rather than simply giving the matter initial thought. Reconsidering does not necessarily mean reversing a decision; it may lead to confirmation as easily as to change. In conversation and formal writing, the verb often signals openness to reconsideration, reconsideration of policy, or a request for careful thought before proceeding.
verbTo think about a decision, opinion, plan, or situation again, especially because circumstances have changed or the earlier view may have been mistaken.
- To think about a decision, opinion, plan, or situation again, especially because circumstances have changed or the earlier view may have been mistaken.
- To think again about whether to do something, usually after considering new information or possible consequences.
"After seeing the revised forecasts, the committee decided to reconsider its original proposal."
"The company will reconsider its expansion plans in light of the new market data."
"You may want to reconsider accepting the offer before the deadline passes."
Reconsider is the verbal opposite of rush to judgment: it makes room for a better second thought.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reconsider come from?
Reconsider was formed in English by combining the prefix re-, meaning again, with consider. Consider comes from Latin considerare, from con-, meaning together or completely, and sidus, meaning to sit, originally conveying attention to something carefully. The related English forms considerate, consideration, and consign come from the same Latin family of words. The prefixed form reconsider has been used since the early 18th century for examining a matter again.
Related word forms
How reconsider is actually used
Reconsider is a standard formal and informal verb. It often implies that a decision or judgment has already been made and is now being reviewed, although it can also be used for a repeated or more careful examination of a possible course of action.
Easily confused with reconsider
Consider means to think about something, whereas reconsider means to think about it again after a decision, opinion, or course of action has already been formed.