The English word considerable is often used in everyday speech and writing, but its exact meaning can depend on context. Many people encounter this adjective in news topics, academic texts, or casual conversations. Understanding its full definition, proper usage, and connotations can improve one’s vocabulary and ability to express ideas clearly. The word considerable holds a weight of significance and is frequently used to describe something of large size, amount, or importance. This topic explores the English meaning of considerable, its grammatical use, examples, synonyms, and how it functions in both spoken and written English.
Definition of Considerable
In English, the word considerable is an adjective that means large in amount, size, or degree. When something is described as considerable, it means it is noteworthy or significant enough to draw attention or to have an impact.
Basic Meaning
The term is typically used to emphasize the magnitude or value of something. For example:
- She spent a considerable amount of money on her education.
- There was considerable interest in the new product.
In both examples, the word suggests something large or important, but not necessarily extreme or overwhelming. It conveys a sense of seriousness or significance without being exaggerated.
Grammatical Usage
Considerable is an adjective, which means it is used to modify or describe nouns. It does not change form for plural or singular nouns. Here are a few structural examples:
- Considerable time refers to a large or significant amount of time.
- Considerable effort refers to a great deal of effort.
- Considerable improvement refers to noticeable or meaningful progress.
It often appears before a noun in standard sentence construction. It is rarely used on its own without a noun.
Synonyms of Considerable
To better understand considerable, it’s helpful to look at similar words that carry the same or close meaning. Common synonyms include:
- Significant
- Substantial
- Sizeable
- Noteworthy
- Impressive
- Ample
Each of these words can be used depending on the tone and context of a sentence. For example, substantial is often used in financial or legal contexts, while noteworthy might be more academic or journalistic.
Examples in Sentences
Here are several examples of how considerable can be used effectively in English sentences:
- The company has made considerable gains over the past year.
- There is considerable evidence to support the theory.
- Despite the considerable risk, he chose to invest.
- A considerable portion of the budget is allocated to research.
- She has a considerable talent for painting.
These sentences show how the word brings emphasis and weight to the noun it describes.
Considerable vs. Minor
To grasp the meaning of considerable, it’s useful to compare it with its opposite. The antonym of considerable is often minor, which refers to something small or insignificant.
- Considerable damagevs.Minor damage
- Considerable delayvs.Minor delay
- Considerable interestvs.Little interest
This contrast helps reinforce the idea that considerable denotes something that should not be overlooked or underestimated.
Use in Academic and Professional Writing
Considerable is frequently used in academic, scientific, and business writing. Its formal tone makes it suitable for reports, essays, research papers, and news topics.
- There has been considerable debate among scholars about the subject.
- Considerable resources have been devoted to climate change research.
In these contexts, the word adds weight and credibility to the information being presented. It signals that what follows is meaningful and supported by evidence or observation.
Emotional and Abstract Use
While considerable is often applied to physical amounts like money, time, or resources, it can also be used for emotional or abstract ideas. For instance:
- He showed considerable courage in standing up for what he believed.
- The new law has caused considerable concern among citizens.
These examples demonstrate how the word can emphasize depth or intensity in a non-quantifiable sense.
Common Collocations with Considerable
In English, certain words tend to pair frequently with others. These pairings are called collocations. With considerable, some of the most frequent collocations include:
- Considerable experience
- Considerable progress
- Considerable attention
- Considerable delay
- Considerable variation
Learning these collocations can help non-native speakers sound more natural and fluent in their writing and speech.
Difference from Related Words
Considerable should not be confused with considerate, which means thoughtful or kind. Though they share a root word consider they have very different meanings.
- Considerable= large, significant
- Considerate= thoughtful, respectful
This is a common mistake among English learners and should be carefully avoided to maintain clarity.
How to Use Considerable Effectively
To use the word considerable effectively in your writing or speech, keep these tips in mind:
- Use it to add emphasis to large or important nouns.
- Avoid overusing it, as repeated emphasis can reduce its impact.
- Pair it with nouns that represent measurable or significant concepts.
- Use synonyms when you need variation in your language style.
By using considerable thoughtfully, you enhance the tone and clarity of your communication, particularly in formal or academic settings.
The English word considerable is a powerful and versatile adjective used to describe something large, important, or significant. It can refer to quantities, abstract concepts, and emotional states. Understanding its proper usage, meaning, and context helps both native and non-native speakers convey ideas more clearly and persuasively. By integrating this word into your vocabulary, you gain the ability to highlight important points and express degrees of magnitude with precision. Whether in writing or speaking, considerable is a valuable addition to effective English communication.