considerar

Considerar is a Spanish verb meaning to think about, to contemplate, to take into account, or to regard or deem something or someone in a certain way. It is transitive, taking a direct object or a clause introduced by que: “considerar una posibilidad,” “considerar que es importante.” It also appears in expressions like “tener en cuenta” or “considerar necesario.” The verb can express a judgement about a person, as in “lo considero un amigo” (I regard him as a friend).

Conjugation and grammar: Considerar is regular in the -ar paradigm. Present: considero, consideras, considera, consideramos, consideráis, consideran. Preterite: consideré, consideraste, consideró, consideramos, considerasteis, consideraron. Subjunctive present: considere, consideres, considere, consideremos, consideréis, consideren. Gerund: considerando; past participle: considerado. It typically takes a direct object and can be followed by “que” to introduce an opinion: “Considero que es importante.”

Etymology and cognates: The verb derives from Latin considerare, meaning to examine closely. It has cognates in other Romance languages, such as Portuguese considerar and French considérer.

Usage notes: “Considerar” conveys deliberate weighing or evaluation more than mere thinking; “pensar” is broader. The noun form is “consideración.” The phrases “tener en consideración” and “poner en consideración” signify taking something into account or presenting it for consideration. In formal or legal writing, “considerar” is commonly used to describe evaluating a proposal, risk, or action.