considerar in Portuguese: Meaning, Usage and Examples

Introduction

Learning Portuguese vocabulary effectively requires understanding not just the basic meaning of words, but also their nuances, contexts, and proper usage. Considerar is one of those essential Portuguese verbs that appears frequently in both spoken and written communication. This comprehensive guide will explore every aspect of this important verb, from its fundamental meaning to advanced usage patterns that native speakers employ naturally.

Whether you’re a beginner just starting your Portuguese journey or an advanced learner looking to refine your understanding, mastering considerar will significantly enhance your ability to express complex thoughts and opinions in Portuguese. The verb carries subtle meanings that can change depending on context, making it a fascinating word to study in depth.

Meaning and Definition

Core Definition

The Portuguese verb considerar primarily means to consider, to think about, to regard, or to take into account. It’s a regular verb that follows the standard conjugation pattern for verbs ending in -ar. At its most basic level, considerar involves the mental process of thinking carefully about something, weighing options, or forming an opinion based on reflection.

However, the verb’s meaning extends beyond simple consideration. It can also mean to respect, to esteem, to judge, to believe, or to deem something to be a certain way. This versatility makes considerar an incredibly useful verb for expressing various levels of thought, judgment, and evaluation.

Etymology and Historical Development

The word considerar comes from the Latin considerare, which originally meant to examine closely or to contemplate. The Latin root is composed of con- (meaning with or together) and sidus/sideris (meaning star or constellation). In ancient times, the verb literally referred to the practice of studying the stars together, which was believed to reveal important information for decision-making.

Over time, the astronomical connection faded, and the word evolved to mean careful examination or thoughtful reflection in general. This etymology helps explain why considerar carries connotations of careful, deliberate thought rather than casual or superficial consideration.

The transition from Latin to Portuguese maintained the essential meaning while adapting to Portuguese phonetic and morphological patterns. The verb entered Portuguese during the medieval period and has remained relatively stable in its core meaning and usage patterns throughout the centuries.

Semantic Range and Nuances

Understanding considerar requires recognizing its multiple semantic layers. The verb can express different degrees of mental engagement, from casual thought to deep philosophical reflection. It can also indicate respect or high regard for someone or something, adding an emotional dimension to its cognitive meaning.

In formal contexts, considerar often carries weight and authority, suggesting that the consideration is serious and well-founded. In casual conversation, it might simply indicate that someone is thinking about a topic or taking it into account in their decision-making process.

The verb also functions differently when used with various prepositions and in different syntactic structures, creating subtle but important variations in meaning that advanced learners need to master for truly fluent communication.

Usage and Example Sentences

Basic Usage Patterns

Here are comprehensive examples showing how considerar functions in different contexts:

Considerar + direct object:
Eu considero essa proposta muito interessante.
(I consider this proposal very interesting.)

Ela sempre considera todas as opções antes de decidir.
(She always considers all options before deciding.)

Considerar + que clause:
Nós consideramos que o projeto foi um sucesso.
(We consider that the project was a success.)

O professor considera que os alunos estão progredindo bem.
(The teacher considers that the students are progressing well.)

Considerar + como + predicate:
Eles consideram o João como um amigo verdadeiro.
(They consider João as a true friend.)

A empresa considera essa região como prioritária para expansão.
(The company considers this region as a priority for expansion.)

Advanced Usage Examples

Reflexive usage with se:
Maria se considera uma pessoa otimista.
(Maria considers herself an optimistic person.)

Este livro se considera um clássico da literatura brasileira.
(This book is considered a classic of Brazilian literature.)

Formal and academic contexts:
Devemos considerar os aspectos econômicos e sociais desta questão.
(We must consider the economic and social aspects of this issue.)

É importante considerar as implicações éticas de nossas decisões.
(It’s important to consider the ethical implications of our decisions.)

Synonyms, Antonyms, and Word Usage Differences

Primary Synonyms

Several Portuguese verbs share similar meanings with considerar, but each carries distinct connotations:

Pensar is the most general synonym, meaning to think. However, pensar implies a broader range of mental activity, while considerar suggests more deliberate, focused thought. Example: Preciso pensar neste assunto (I need to think about this matter) versus Preciso considerar esta proposta (I need to consider this proposal).

Refletir means to reflect and implies deeper, more contemplative thought. It suggests taking time to think carefully about something. Considerar can be more immediate and practical, while refletir suggests philosophical or introspective thinking.

Avaliar means to evaluate or assess, focusing on judgment and measurement. While considerar can include evaluation, avaliar is more specifically about determining value, quality, or worth.

Ponderar means to weigh or deliberate carefully. It’s closer to considerar in suggesting careful thought, but ponderar emphasizes the weighing of different factors or options.

Contextual Usage Differences

The choice between these synonyms depends on the specific context and the type of mental activity being described. Considerar is often preferred when discussing practical decisions, forming opinions, or showing respect for someone or something.

In academic or professional writing, considerar tends to be more formal and authoritative than simple pensar. In personal conversations, the choice might depend on the speaker’s education level and the formality of the situation.

Antonyms and Contrasting Concepts

Ignorar (to ignore) represents the opposite of considerar in terms of attention and thought. While considerar implies giving careful attention to something, ignorar means deliberately not thinking about or paying attention to it.

Desprezar (to despise or disregard) contrasts with the respectful aspect of considerar. When considerar implies esteem or respect, desprezar suggests the opposite attitude.

Rejeitar (to reject) can contrast with considerar when the verb implies accepting or giving favorable thought to something. The contrast highlights the evaluative aspect of consideration.

Pronunciation and Accent

Phonetic Transcription

The pronunciation of considerar in International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) notation is [kõsi.de.ˈɾaɾ] in Brazilian Portuguese and [kõsi.dɨ.ˈɾaɾ] in European Portuguese. The stress falls on the second-to-last syllable, following the regular pattern for Portuguese verbs ending in -ar.

Syllable Breakdown and Stress Patterns

The word breaks down into four syllables: con-si-de-rar. The primary stress falls on the penultimate syllable (de), which is the standard pattern for Portuguese infinitive verbs. This stress pattern remains consistent across most conjugated forms of the verb.

In Brazilian Portuguese, the final r is typically pronounced as a light tap [ɾ], while in European Portuguese, it might be more guttural [ʁ] or even silent in some regions. The vowel sounds also differ between the two major variants, with Brazilian Portuguese generally having more open vowel sounds.

Regional Pronunciation Variations

Different Portuguese-speaking regions show subtle variations in pronouncing considerar. In northern Brazil, the final r might be pronounced as an h-like sound [h]. In some parts of Portugal, particularly in rural areas, vowel reduction might affect the unstressed syllables more dramatically.

African Portuguese varieties, such as those spoken in Angola or Mozambique, typically follow pronunciation patterns closer to European Portuguese but may show influence from local languages in rhythm and intonation.

Conjugation Patterns and Grammar

Present Tense Conjugation

As a regular -ar verb, considerar follows predictable conjugation patterns:

Eu considero (I consider)
Tu consideras (You consider – informal)
Ele/ela/você considera (He/she/you consider)
Nós consideramos (We consider)
Vós considerais (You consider – archaic plural)
Eles/elas/vocês consideram (They/you consider)

Past and Future Tenses

Past tense (pretérito perfeito):
Eu considerei, tu consideraste, ele considerou, nós consideramos, vós considerastes, eles consideraram

Imperfect past (pretérito imperfeito):
Eu considerava, tu consideravas, ele considerava, nós considerávamos, vós consideráveis, eles consideravam

Future tense:
Eu considerarei, tu considerarás, ele considerará, nós consideraremos, vós considerareis, eles considerarão

Subjunctive and Conditional Moods

The subjunctive forms of considerar are essential for expressing hypothetical situations, emotions, and uncertainty:

Present subjunctive: que eu considere, que tu consideres, que ele considere, que nós consideremos, que vós considereis, que eles considerem

Conditional: eu consideraria, tu considerarias, ele consideraria, nós consideraríamos, vós consideraríeis, eles considerariam

Native Speaker Nuance and Usage Context

Formal versus Informal Usage

Native Portuguese speakers intuitively adjust their use of considerar based on the social context and level of formality required. In formal settings, such as business meetings, academic presentations, or legal discussions, considerar carries weight and suggests serious, professional thought.

In casual conversation among friends or family, considerar might be replaced by more colloquial expressions like achar (to think/find) or ter em mente (to keep in mind). However, when used in informal contexts, considerar can add emphasis or seriousness to the speaker’s point.

Cultural Connotations

Brazilian Portuguese speakers often use considerar to show respect or politeness, particularly when disagreeing with someone or presenting an alternative viewpoint. The phrase Eu considero que… (I consider that…) can soften a potentially confrontational statement.

In Portuguese business culture, using considerar demonstrates thoughtfulness and professionalism. Phrases like Vamos considerar todas as opções (Let’s consider all options) show collaborative decision-making and thorough analysis.

Idiomatic Expressions and Fixed Phrases

Several common expressions incorporate considerar:

Considerar bem (to think carefully): Você precisa considerar bem antes de tomar essa decisão. (You need to think carefully before making this decision.)

Ser considerado (to be considered/regarded): Ele é considerado um dos melhores médicos da cidade. (He is considered one of the best doctors in the city.)

Considerar-se (to consider oneself): Ela se considera sortuda. (She considers herself lucky.)

Register and Style Variations

The verb considerar appears across different linguistic registers, from everyday conversation to highly formal written texts. In literary Portuguese, it might appear in more complex constructions and with more abstract objects. In journalistic writing, it’s frequently used to present different viewpoints or expert opinions.

Academic writing heavily features considerar when discussing theories, analyzing data, or presenting arguments. Scientific papers often use the verb to introduce hypotheses or to acknowledge different interpretations of results.

Common Mistakes and Learning Challenges

Portuguese learners often struggle with the different constructions that considerar can take. One common mistake is directly translating from English, leading to awkward phrases. For example, English speakers might incorrectly say *considerar sobre* instead of the correct considerar + direct object.

Another challenge involves understanding when to use considerar versus its synonyms. Learners sometimes overuse the verb in contexts where a simpler verb like achar or pensar would be more natural for native speakers.

The reflexive use of considerar (considerar-se) can also be confusing for learners, particularly those whose native languages don’t have similar reflexive constructions for this concept.

Advanced Usage and Specialized Contexts

Legal and Administrative Language

In Portuguese legal and administrative texts, considerar frequently appears in formal statements and official decisions. Legal documents often use the phrase considerando que… (considering that…) to introduce the reasoning behind decisions or regulations.

Administrative language employs considerar when discussing policies, evaluating proposals, or making official determinations. The verb adds authority and formality to official communications.

Academic and Scientific Writing

Portuguese academic discourse extensively uses considerar for presenting hypotheses, discussing methodologies, and analyzing results. The verb helps authors maintain objectivity while presenting their interpretations and conclusions.

In scientific papers, considerar often appears when authors discuss the implications of their findings or when they acknowledge limitations in their research. It’s also common in literature reviews when authors evaluate previous studies.

Business and Professional Communication

Portuguese business communication frequently employs considerar in proposals, reports, and strategic planning documents. The verb conveys professionalism and suggests thorough analysis, making it valuable for building credibility with clients and colleagues.

In negotiations, considerar can be used diplomatically to introduce alternatives or to show respect for different viewpoints while still maintaining one’s position.

Cultural and Social Dimensions

Politeness and Social Harmony

Portuguese culture values politeness and social harmony, and considerar serves as a linguistic tool for maintaining these values. By saying Eu considero que… instead of a more direct statement, speakers show respect for others’ opinions while expressing their own views.

This usage is particularly important in Brazilian culture, where direct confrontation is often avoided in favor of more diplomatic language. Considerar helps speakers navigate potentially sensitive topics while maintaining social relationships.

Authority and Expertise

When used by experts, teachers, or authority figures, considerar can establish credibility and suggest that the speaker’s opinion is based on knowledge and experience. University professors, for example, might use the verb when presenting complex theories or when guiding students through difficult concepts.

In professional contexts, using considerar appropriately can help establish one’s expertise and professional competence, particularly in fields requiring careful analysis and judgment.

Comparative Analysis with Other Languages

Similarities and Differences with Spanish

The Spanish verb considerar shares the same Latin root and has very similar meanings to the Portuguese considerar. However, there are subtle differences in usage patterns and collocations between the two languages that Portuguese learners should be aware of.

Both languages use the verb in formal and academic contexts, but the specific phrases and expressions that incorporate the verb can differ significantly. Portuguese learners with Spanish background need to avoid direct transfer of Spanish expressions.

Comparison with English

English consider and Portuguese considerar share similar core meanings, but the Portuguese verb has a slightly broader semantic range, particularly in its use to express respect or esteem. English speakers learning Portuguese need to understand these additional meanings to use the verb naturally.

The syntactic patterns also differ between the languages. Portuguese allows certain constructions with considerar that don’t translate directly into English, and vice versa.

Learning Strategies for Different Language Backgrounds

Speakers of Romance languages generally find considerar easier to master due to cognate recognition and similar usage patterns. However, they may struggle with the specific Portuguese collocations and idiomatic expressions.

Speakers of non-Romance languages often benefit from focusing on the verb’s multiple meanings and practicing the different syntactic constructions through extensive reading and listening practice.

Conclusion

Mastering the Portuguese verb considerar opens doors to more sophisticated and nuanced communication in Portuguese. This versatile verb serves multiple functions, from expressing simple consideration to showing respect and making professional judgments. Understanding its various meanings, conjugations, and cultural contexts enables learners to communicate more effectively and authentically.

The journey from basic comprehension to native-like usage of considerar requires attention to subtle differences in meaning, appropriate register selection, and cultural sensitivity. By practicing the examples and patterns presented in this guide, learners can develop confidence in using this essential Portuguese verb across various contexts and situations, ultimately enhancing their overall proficiency in the language.