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considerable
/kənˈsɪdəɹəbl̩/
This word conveys a sense of weight and impact. It describes something that is not just 'large,' but large enough to be noticed, measured, or felt in a meaningful way.
While "big" is neutral and casual, "considerable" is more formal and suggests an objective evaluation. It implies that the quantity or quality is sufficient to warrant serious thought or respect.
In terms of importance, it describes a level of influence or contribution that shifts the status quo. It sits between "moderate" and "substantial," often used in professional, academic, or journalistic contexts to avoid hyperbole while still emphasizing significance.
💬Casual Conversation
u seeing this tuition hike? it's a considerable jump from last year.
just gotta pivot your mindset. we'll circle back to the budget later.
Meanings
Examples
I've spent a considerable amount of money on this car.
Listen, we are facing considerable resistance from the board!
Wait, did you actually make a considerable profit on that flip?
It took a considerable effort to get the engine started.
I'm sorry, but the damage to the vehicle is considerable.
My experience in logistics is considerable, as you can see.
There is a considerable difference between these two options.
You've caused considerable distress to the entire staff!
I think we've waited a considerable time for the appetizers.
Collocations & Compounds
considerable amount
A large quantity of something.
considerable influence
A significant degree of power to affect others or events.
considerable sum
A notably large amount of money.
considerable progress
Significant advancement toward a goal.
considerable distance
A long way or a significant spatial gap.
Cultural Context
The word considerable operates as a linguistic hedge, allowing a speaker to signal importance without committing to a precise numerical value. In the realm of human psychology, this is known as vague quantification. When someone describes a considerable sum of money, the actual amount is entirely dependent on the socio-economic context of the speaker and the listener.
For a billionaire, a considerable sum might be ten million dollars, whereas for a college student, fifty dollars could be considered a considerable amount of cash. This elasticity makes the word an essential tool in diplomacy and corporate communication, where precision can sometimes be a liability. By using considerable, a communicator can create a shared sense of scale while maintaining a strategic ambiguity that prevents them from being pinned down to a specific figure, effectively managing expectations through the art of the imprecise.
Etymology
Derived from the Middle French 'considérable', which stems from the verb 'considérer' (to consider). This is rooted in the Latin 'considerare', combining 'con-' (together) and 'sidus' (star), originally referring to the act of observing stars for astrological guidance or deliberation, later evolving into a general sense of careful thought and eventually denoting something worthy of such attention or significant in scale.