Considerate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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considerate
[kənˈsɪdərət ]
Definition
in social interactions
showing careful thought and good judgement, especially about other people's feelings and needs
Synonyms
attentive, compassionate, kind, thoughtful.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| considerate |
Being polite and often taking other people's feelings and needs into account.
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| thoughtful |
Taking time to think about other people's needs and doing things to make them feel appreciated.
|
| attentive |
Paying close attention to someone or something, often in a helpful or interested way.
|
| kind |
Being friendly, generous, and considerate, often involving a desire to help others.
|
| compassionate |
Showing empathy and care for others, especially when they are experiencing difficulties or suffering.
|
Examples of usage
- He was always considerate towards his colleagues, making sure to listen to their opinions.
- She is known for her considerate nature, always putting others' needs before her own.
- I appreciate your considerate gesture of bringing me a cup of coffee.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, being considerate is considered a key element of good manners and social etiquette.
- Acts of consideration can vary widely across cultures; for instance, in Japan, silence can be considered a form of thoughtfulness.
- Countries with collectivist cultures often place higher value on behaviors that show consideration for the community over individual desires.
Social Psychology
- Research shows that being considerate can enhance relationships and create more positive social interactions.
- Acts of kindness, often stemming from considerateness, are linked to increased happiness for both the giver and the receiver.
- Studies suggest that teaching children to be considerate can lead to greater emotional intelligence and empathy as adults.
Literature
- Considerate characters often appear in classic literature as embodiments of virtue, demonstrating the importance of kindness.
- Authors frequently use considerate actions to develop characters' relationships and highlight moral lessons in stories.
- In fairy tales, considerate actions often lead to rewards or happiness for the characters involved, emphasizing kindness's value.
Pop Culture
- Television shows and movies often portray 'considerate' characters as heroes or role models, reinforcing the importance of kindness.
- In social media, trends promoting kindness encourage users to perform small acts of consideration, creating a ripple effect of positivity.
- Lyrics of popular songs often celebrate themes of love and consideration, showing its universal appeal and significance.
Origin of 'considerate'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'considerate' comes from the Latin 'considerare', meaning 'to inspect' or 'to think about'.
- The prefix 'con-' means 'with', and 'sider' comes from 'sidus', which refers to the stars, suggesting thoughtful attention.
- It has been used in English since the 1650s, originally implying a careful examination of others' situations.
The word 'considerate' originated from the Latin word 'consideratus', which means 'examined' or 'deliberated'. Over time, it evolved to encompass the idea of thoughtfulness and empathy towards others. The concept of being considerate has been valued in various cultures throughout history, emphasizing the importance of showing respect and understanding towards fellow individuals.
See also: consider, considerable, considerably, considerately, considerateness, consideration, considerative, considering, inconsiderate, inconsiderately, reconsider, reconsideration.