considérable

Considérable is a French adjective that translates to considerable, significant, or substantial in English. It is used to describe something that is large in size, amount, degree, or importance. The word is derived from the verb considérer, meaning to consider or to regard.

The usage of "considérable" typically implies a degree of magnitude that warrants attention or thought. For instance, one might speak of a "somme considérable" (a considerable sum of money), a "nombre considérable" (a considerable number), or a "différence considérable" (a considerable difference). It can also be applied to abstract concepts, such as "un effort considérable" (a considerable effort) or "une amélioration considérable" (a considerable improvement).

In French, "considérable" agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Thus, it can appear as considérable (masculine singular), considérables (masculine plural, feminine plural), or considérales (feminine singular, though less common in modern usage). However, the adjective is invariable in modern French, meaning it does not change form for gender or number. It is always "considérable" for singular nouns and "considérables" for plural nouns, regardless of gender.

The English word "considerable" shares a similar meaning and etymological root, reflecting the common historical influences between the two languages. Both terms serve to denote something of noteworthy scale or significance.