What does reconsidering mean?
Reconsidering means thinking again about something previously decided, believed, or planned. People reconsider a decision, offer, opinion, or course of action when new evidence appears, circumstances change, or a previous judgment may have been mistaken. The word often implies that the original view is still being weighed rather than automatically abandoned. For example, a committee may reconsider a proposal after public feedback, while a person may reconsider an offer after considering the practical consequences. In everyday conversation, “rethink” is a common alternative, but “reconsidering” can sound more deliberate and systematic. The term is also frequently associated with reconsidering one’s position: changing or abandoning a position after reflection can mean reconsidering it. Whether the result is acceptance or rejection, the word primarily emphasizes the process of giving something another careful look.
verbTo think about a decision, belief, or course of action again, especially because circumstances have changed or a previous view may have been mistaken.
- To think again about a decision, belief, plan, or previous judgment, usually because new information or changed circumstances make another assessment necessary.
"After seeing the new evidence, the committee began reconsidering its decision to delay the project."
"She is reconsidering her decision to move abroad."
"Officials are reconsidering the plan after receiving several complaints."
Reconsidering is the quiet act of giving an old belief a second hearing—and sometimes discovering that your first instinct was right all along.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reconsidering come from?
The word “reconsidering” is the present participle of “reconsider,” formed by adding the prefix re-, meaning “again,” to “consider.” Both verbs ultimately draw on Latin considerare, formed from con-, meaning “together” or “completely,” and sidere, meaning “to sit.” The English verb “consider” entered use in the 15th century, while “reconsider” became established later with the meaning of examining a matter again.
Related word forms
How reconsidering is actually used
The word is neutral and commonly used in formal and informal contexts. It suggests a serious second look rather than simply changing one's mind casually.