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Origin and history of considerate

considerate(adj.)

1570s, "marked by deliberation," from Latin consideratus, past participle of considerare "to look at closely, observe" (see consider). Of persons, "deliberate, prudent, given to consideration" 1580s; meaning "not unfeeling or rigorous, showing consideration for the circumstances or feelings of others" is from c. 1700. Related: Considerately; considerateness.

also from 1570s

Entries linking to considerate

consider(v.)

late 14c., consideren, "to fix the mind upon for careful examination, meditate upon," also "view attentively, scrutinize; not to be negligent of," from Old French considerer (13c.) "reflect on, consider, study," from Latin considerare "to look at closely, observe," probably literally "to observe the stars," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + sidus (genitive sideris) "heavenly body, star, constellation" (see sidereal).

Perhaps a metaphor from navigation, or perhaps reflecting Roman obsession with divination by astrology. Compare desire (v.), from Latin desiderare "long for, wish for; demand, expect," the original sense perhaps being "await what the stars will bring." 

De Vaan considers various alternative etymologies for the Latin verb but endorses none. In 20c. Tucker doubted the connection with sidus, because it is "quite inapplicable to desiderare," and suggests derivation instead from the PIE root of English side meaning "stretch, extend," and a sense for the full word of "survey on all sides" or "dwell long upon."

It is attested from 1530s as "to regard in a particular light." Related: Considered; considering.

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