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reconsider

B2
Fairly common

Pronunciation

UK

  • /rˌiːkənsˈɪdə/

US

  • /ˌrikənˈsɪdər/

Meanings

Verb

  1. to think again about a decision, opinion, or plan

Beyond the definition

Sometimes we make decisions quickly, without thinking everything through. To reconsider something means to look at it again – to give it a second thought. Maybe you first dismissed an idea as silly, but after hearing more about it, you decide to reconsider your opinion. Or perhaps you agreed to help a friend with a project, but now realize you're overbooked and need to reconsider your commitment. It often means you are willing to think again because something has changed, or because you want to be more sure. You might ask someone to "reconsider their offer" or "reconsider their position."

Examples

  1. 1

    Negotiation

    After the meeting, she decided to reconsider her offer.

  2. 2

    School plans

    The school is reconsidering whether the trip should go ahead.

    • Patternreconsider whether + clause

      think again about whether something should happen

  3. 3

    Buying decision

    Seeing the repair bill made us reconsider buying an older car.

    • Patternreconsider + -ing verb

      think again about whether to do it

  4. 4

    Political position

    Several lawmakers are reconsidering their position on the issue.

More examples
  1. 5

    Career priorities

    If you are still unhappy in the job, it may be time to reconsider your priorities.

  2. 6

    Angry email

    I know you're upset now, but please reconsider before you send that email.

See also

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Used with (collocations)

  • reconsider a decision
  • reconsider your position
  • ask someone to reconsider
  • reconsider whether to

Word family

Explore

  • second thoughts
  • change one's mind

Forms and spellings

4 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • reconsiderverb

Forms

  • reconsideredpast tenseverb
  • reconsidering-ing formverb
  • reconsidersverb