Words carry rich histories and meanings that often trace back to simpler roots. The word ‘considerable’ is one such example where understanding its root word can unlock a deeper comprehension of its usage and connotations. Commonly used to describe something large in size, amount, or importance, ‘considerable’ finds its origin in the act of thinking carefully or giving attention to something. Exploring the root word of ‘considerable’ helps us understand how this adjective came to describe significance and magnitude. This topic dives into the etymology, formation, related words, and examples, making the concept clear and accessible.
The Root Word of Considerable
The root word of ‘considerable’ is ‘consider.’ To understand ‘considerable,’ it’s crucial first to grasp the meaning and origin of ‘consider.’ The verb ‘consider’ means to think about carefully, to contemplate, or to regard something with attention. From this act of careful thought comes the idea of something worthy of such attention hence ‘considerable.’
Meaning of Consider
‘Consider’ involves reflecting on facts, opinions, or circumstances before making a judgment or decision. It implies a deliberate and thoughtful process, highlighting the importance or value of what is being considered.
- Example: She considered the offer carefully before accepting.
The root ‘consider’ thus brings the idea of weighing or thinking deeply, which underpins the meaning of ‘considerable.’
Etymology and Origins of Consider
The word ‘consider’ derives from the Latin wordconsiderare, meaning ‘to look at closely, observe, or reflect upon.’ This Latin root combinescon-(meaning ‘with’ or ‘together’) andsidus(meaning ‘star’ or ‘constellation’). Originally, it referred to the practice of observing the stars to make decisions or predictions, a method known as astrology.
Over time, the meaning broadened to signify careful thought or deliberation, shedding its direct astrological connection.
Breakdown of the Latin Root
- Con-: A prefix meaning ‘with,’ ‘together,’ or ‘thoroughly.’
- Sidus, sider-: Meaning ‘star’ or ‘constellation.’
This etymology reveals a fascinating origin where ‘consider’ originally meant to observe the stars carefully, a symbol of careful attention that persists in the modern meaning.
From Consider to Considerable
The adjective ‘considerable’ evolved from the verb ‘consider’ by adding the suffix ‘-able,’ which means ‘capable of’ or ‘worthy of.’ Thus, ‘considerable’ literally means ‘worthy of consideration’ or ‘able to be considered.’ Over time, this developed to mean something large, significant, or important enough to be noticed and given serious thought.
- Consider (verb) + -able (suffix) = Considerable (adjective)
In modern English, ‘considerable’ is used to describe something that is notably large in amount, size, degree, or importance.
Usage and Examples of Considerable
The word ‘considerable’ is commonly used in many contexts, including everyday conversation, business, science, and literature. Here are some examples to illustrate its usage:
- There was a considerable delay in the shipment.
- She has considerable experience in marketing.
- The project required a considerable amount of funding.
- He made a considerable effort to improve his grades.
In each case, ‘considerable’ emphasizes a degree or quantity that is worthy of attention or respect.
Related Words Derived from Consider
Understanding the root ‘consider’ also opens the door to related words sharing the same origin. Here are some important words connected to ‘consider’:
- Consideration: The noun form meaning careful thought or deliberation.
- Considerate: An adjective meaning thoughtful or showing regard for others.
- Considerably: An adverb meaning to a significant extent or degree.
- Reconsider: To think about something again, often with a view to changing a previous decision.
All these words reflect various nuances of the root concept thoughtful attention and careful reflection.
Why Knowing Root Words Matters
Root words form the building blocks of vocabulary. Knowing the root of ‘considerable’ helps learners and language users to:
- Better understand the meaning and connotations of related words.
- Improve spelling and pronunciation by recognizing common patterns.
- Enhance reading comprehension through contextual clues.
- Expand vocabulary by recognizing and learning word families.
For example, once you know that ‘consider’ means to think carefully, you can guess the meaning of ‘considerate’ (thoughtful) and ‘consideration’ (careful thought) more easily.
Common Confusions and Clarifications
Sometimes people confuse ‘considerable’ with words like ‘considerate,’ but the meanings differ distinctly. ‘Considerable’ refers to size or importance, while ‘considerate’ relates to being thoughtful or kind.
- Considerable: Significant in amount or degree.
- Considerate: Showing concern for others.
Both words share the root ‘consider,’ but their suffixes change the meaning completely.
Synonyms of Considerable
To express the meaning of ‘considerable,’ English offers many synonyms that vary slightly in tone or usage. Here are some common alternatives:
- Substantial
- Significant
- Sizeable (or sizable)
- Ample
- Major
- Notable
Each of these words can be used depending on the context to indicate something large or important.
The root word of ‘considerable’ is ‘consider,’ which comes from the Latinconsiderare, meaning to think carefully or observe with attention. This root reveals a history connected to careful thought, symbolized by the original association with observing stars. The adjective ‘considerable’ grew from this root to describe things that are significant in size, amount, or importance essentially, things worthy of being considered. Understanding this root and its related forms enriches vocabulary and aids in grasping the subtle differences between words in the same family. Whether in writing, conversation, or study, knowing the root word ‘consider’ enhances clarity and precision in language use.