a. [ad. L. consīderāt-us (pa. pple. of consīderāre to CONSIDER) considered, advised, deliberate, circumspect, cautious; first of actions, speech, etc., thence of the actor or speaker. So Sp. considerado ‘considered, advised, wary, considerate’ (Minsheu, 1599).]
1. Of things: Marked by consideration or thought; well-considered, careful, deliberate. (In later use, of personal qualities, as if transferred from 2.)
1572. Q. Eliz., in Ellis, Orig. Lett., I. 201. II. 263. Ther rasche determination was countermauned by your considerat admonition.
1600. Holland, Livy, VII. ii. 251/1. The thing arising from a considerate entrance [ab sano initio].
1687. Penal Laws, 14. No Decree of the Law, although weighed with never so considerate Councel.
1821. Scott, Kenilw., iii. Foster … paced the room twice with the same steady and considerate pace.
1856. Emerson, Eng. Traits, ‘Times,’ Wks. (Bohn), II. 119. The national courage, not rash and petulant, but considerate and determined.
2. Of persons, etc.: Having or showing consideration; thoughtful, deliberate, prudent. Obsolescent.
1581. Mulcaster, Positions, iv. (1887), 16. Considerate and careful parentes.
1597. T. Beard, Theatre God’s Judgments (1612), 527. As touching the willing and considerate murderer.
1665. Boyle, Occas. Refl., II. xi. (1675), 132. The approach of Death will … make Men serious and considerate.
1690. Locke, Hum. Und., III. vi. § 27. None of the Definitions of the word Man … are so perfect … as to satisfy a considerate inquisitive Person.
1790. Burke, Fr. Rev., 9. Considerate people, before they declare themselves, will observe the use which is made of power.
1825. Scott, Talism., iii. ‘Thou art but a cold and considerate friend,’ said the Saracen.
† 3. Having regard or esteem, regardful of. Obs.
1592. A. Day, Eng. Secretarie (1625), 84. This considerate opinion of theirs, hath … egged me forward.
1667. Decay Chr. Piety (J.). Though they will do nothing for virtue, yet they may be … more considerate of praise.
4. Showing consideration for the circumstances, feelings, well being, etc., of others; thoughtful for others. Now the chief sense.
[1607. Norden, Surv. Dial., 81. Happie … is that Tenant, that meeteth with a considerate Landlord.]
1700. Dryden, Fables, Pref. (1721), 9. Patient, considerate, careful of his people, and merciful to his enemies.
1755. Johnson, Considerate 3. Moderate; not rigorous. This sense is much used in conversation.
1796. Jane Austen, Sense & Sens. (1849), 259. Was I more considerate of you and your comfort?
1850. Prescott, Peru, II. 27. The uniformly considerate conduct of the Spaniards towards his subjects.
1885. Sir J. Hannen, in Law Rep., 10 P. Div. 91. She had always been most kind and considerate to her.
† 5. Considered; held in consideration. rare.
1592. A. Day, Eng. Secretarie, II. (1625), 110. Things high, and worthy beseeming, above others (lesse considerate).
