considerables

Considerables is a rarely used plural noun that can be derived from the adjective considerable. In contemporary English, the term most often appears as an adjective; when used as a noun, it refers to things or persons of importance that warrant attention. However, such noun usage is uncommon and generally regarded as archaic or literary. For everyday writing, it is clearer to use phrases like a considerable number of, a considerable amount of, or a number of significant items to express quantity or importance.

Etymology: The adjective considerable comes from Old French considerável, from Latin considerabilis, meaning capable of being considered or worthy of consideration. The noun form considerables appears mainly in older texts and is not standard in modern prose.

Usage: If encountered, treat considerables as a historical or stylistic noun and prefer more precise constructions in current writing. Example: “The considerables discussed at the council included several key projects.” A more modern rendering would be “Several key projects were among the considerable items discussed,” or simply “There were several key projects discussed,” depending on context.

See also: considerable, considerably, consideration.