Cultural Note
Roman augurs read the sky before decisions. The verb kept the practice alive long after the practice died.
Consider
/kənˈsɪdə/ · verb
To think carefully about.
- Present
- 14th c.
- 1st c.
- Reconstructed
Preserved Worldview
To 'consider' was to consult the stars — con + sidus. Even careful thought once began with a glance upward.
Meaning Evolution
- Reconstructedto shine↓
- 1st c.con- (with) + sidus (star, constellation)↓
- 14th c.To examine, reflect upon↓
- PresentTo weigh mentally
Philosophical Note
A quiet fossil: every act of consideration is, etymologically, an act of augury.
Cognates
- sidereal
- desire
Descendants
- consideration
- considerable
Source Notes
- · OED
- · Ernout & Meillet