n. 1 the act of considering; careful thought. 2 thoughtfulness for others; being considerate. 3 a fact or a thing taken into account in deciding or judging something. 4 compensation; a payment or reward. 5 Law (in a contractual agreement) anything given or promised or forborne by one party in exchange for the promise or undertaking of another. 6 archaic importance or consequence. in consideration of in return for; on account of. take into consideration include as a factor, reason, etc.; make allowance for. under consideration being considered.
[ ME f. OF f. L consideratio -onis (as consider) ]