consideration

Etymology

From Middle English consideracioun, from Old French consideracion, from Latin cōnsīderātiō. Synchronically analyzable as consider + -ation.

noun

1. The thought process of considering, of taking multiple or specified factors into account (with of being the main corresponding adposition).
   After much consideration, I have decided to stay.
   Consideration of environmental effects is needed when choosing material.
   In consideration of the day and hour of my birth, it was declared by the nurse, and by some sage women in the neighbourhood who had taken a lively interest in me several months before there was any possibility of our becoming personally acquainted, first, that I was destined to be unlucky in life; and secondly, that I was privileged to see ghosts and spirits; both these gifts inevitably attaching, as they believed, to all unlucky infants of either gender, born towards the small hours on a Friday night. (file) 1850, Charles Dickens, chapter 1, in David Copperfield
2. Something considered as a reason or ground for a (possible) decision.
3. The tendency to consider others.
   You showed remarkable consideration in giving up your place for your friend.
   Will you noisy children show some consideration and stop your infernal screaming? I'm trying to study!
4. A payment or other recompense for something done.
   Sure I'll move my car, but only for a consideration.
   A Malay here is proving helpful — Syed Omar, who says he's descended from Mohammed — and he's going to take us around. For a consideration, of course, but what the hell! 1959, Anthony Burgess, Beds in the East (The Malayan Trilogy), published 1972, page 616
5. (law) A matter of inducement for something promised; something valuable given as recompense for a promise, which causes the promise to become binding as a contract.
   Consideration is an intention to create legal relations. 2007, Wikipedia:Contract
   In consideration of the performance of B's obligations hereunder, A hereby grants to B's personal license. 2008, A contract
6. Importance, claim to notice, regard.