Consider vs. Regard — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 2, 2024
Consider and Regard both involve thinking about someone or something, often with respect or attention, but they differ in nuance and usage.
Difference Between Consider and Regard
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Consider involves deliberate thought or contemplation, often leading to a judgment or decision, while Regard encompasses noticing or thinking of someone or something in a specific way, sometimes implying esteem or respect.
Consider is often used when analyzing or thinking deeply about an issue, with the intent to make a decision or form an opinion, whereas Regard can be used more broadly to denote a way of thinking about or looking at something, often with an implied attitude or assessment.
When you consider something, you are often weighing options or reflecting on potential outcomes, whereas to regard something typically means to view it in a certain light or from a particular perspective, without the necessity of decision-making.
Consider can imply a process of deliberation that may lead to a conclusion or action, while Regard often reflects an existing stance or perspective that may not necessitate further action.
Consider and Regard both involve thought, but the former is more about evaluation and decision-making, while the latter is more about perception and attitude.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
To think about carefully
To look at attentively
Purpose
Often for evaluation or decision
For observation or respect
Connotation
Analytical, evaluative
Observational, respectful
Decision-making
Usually involved
Not necessarily involved
Perspective
Can lead to a new perspective
Implies a pre-existing perspective
Compare with Definitions
Consider
To contemplate or deliberate an action or effect.
He considered moving to a new city for his job.
Regard
To look at or observe attentively.
He regarded the painting with interest.
Consider
To think about carefully with the intention of making a decision.
She considered all her options before choosing a college.
Regard
To refer to; concern.
The comments regarded the article's accuracy.
Consider
To take into account or think about something.
You must consider the feelings of others in your decision.
Regard
To consider or think of in a specified way.
She is regarded as an expert in her field.
Consider
To regard as or deem to be.
I consider honesty a key virtue.
Regard
To have or show respect or concern for.
They regard each other with mutual respect.
Consider
To reflect on, especially to reassess.
Consider your achievements over the past year.
Regard
To take into account; consider.
Regard the advice of your elders.
Consider
To think carefully about (something), especially before making a decision; I needed more time to consider my options. We considered taking the train instead of the bus.
Regard
Consider or think of in a specified way
She regarded London as her base
He was highly regarded by senators of both parties
Consider
To think or deem to be; regard as
Considered his friend a liberal on most issues.
Considered her contribution essential. See Usage Note at as1.
Regard
(of a thing) relate to; concern
If these things regarded only myself, I could stand it with composure
Consider
To suppose or believe
Considers waste to be criminal.
Considers that the mistake could have been prevented.
Regard
Attention to or concern for something
She rescued him without regard for herself
The court must have regard to the principle of welfare
Consider
To take into account; bear in mind
Her success is not surprising if you consider her excellent training.
Regard
Best wishes (used to express friendliness in greetings)
Give her my regards
Consider
To show consideration for
Failed to consider the feelings of others.
Regard
To think of or consider in a particular way
I regard him as a fool.
Consider
To look at thoughtfully
Considered my shoes and thought they looked worn out.
Regard
To look at attentively; observe closely
"He regarded the delicate lines of her profile" (Thomas Hardy).
Consider
To think carefully; reflect
Give me time to consider.
Regard
To relate or refer to; concern
This item regards their liability.
Consider
(transitive) To think about seriously.
Consider that we’ve had three major events and the year has hardly begun.
How can you know everything about everything, if you won't consider any dissent?
Regard
(Archaic) To take into account; consider.
Consider
(intransitive) To think about something seriously or carefully: to deliberate.
Regard
To give heed; pay attention.
Consider
(transitive) To think of doing.
I’m considering going to the beach tomorrow.
Regard
To look or gaze.
Consider
(ditransitive) To assign some quality to.
Consider yourself lucky, but consider your opponent skillful.
I considered the pie undercooked.
Regard
Careful thought or attention; heed
She gives little regard to her sister's teasing.
Consider
(transitive) To look at attentively.
She sat there for a moment, considering him.
Regard
Respect, affection, or esteem
He has little regard for your work.
Consider
(transitive) To take up as an example.
Consider a triangle having three equal sides.
Regard
Regards Good wishes expressing such sentiment
Give the family my best regards.
Consider
To debate (or dispose of) a motion.
This body will now consider the proposed amendments to Section 453 of the zoning code.
Regard
A particular point or aspect; respect
She was lucky in that regard.
Consider
To have regard to; to take into view or account; to pay due attention to; to respect.
He never seems to consider the feelings of others.
Regard
A look or gaze
"Such quick regards his sparkling eyes bestow" (Alexander Pope).
Consider
To believe or opine (that).
Regard
(Obsolete) Appearance or aspect.
Consider
To fix the mind on, with a view to a careful examination; to think on with care; to ponder; to study; to meditate on.
I will consider thy testimonies.
Thenceforth to speculations high or deepI turned my thoughts, and with capacious mindConsidered all things visible.
Regard
(countable) A steady look, a gaze.
Consider
To look at attentively; to observe; to examine.
She considereth a field, and buyeth it.
Regard
One's concern for another; esteem; relation, reference.
Consider
To have regard to; to take into view or account; to pay due attention to; to respect.
Consider, sir, the chance of war: the dayWas yours by accident.
England could grow into a posture of being more united at home, and more considered abroad.
Regard
(preceded by “in” or “with”) A particular aspect or detail; respect, sense.
Consider
To estimate; to think; to regard; to view.
Considered as plays, his works are absurd.
Regard
(uncountable) The worth or estimation in which something or someone is held.
He is held in great regard in Whitehall.
Consider
To think seriously; to make examination; to reflect; to deliberate.
We will consider of your suit.
'T were to consider too curiously, to consider so.
She wished she had taken a moment to consider, before rushing down stairs.
Regard
Slang for retard, a very bad stock trader.
Consider
To hesitate.
Regard
To look at; to observe.
She regarded us warily.
Consider
Deem to be;
She views this quite differently from me
I consider her to be shallow
I don't see the situation quite as negatively as you do
Regard
(transitive) To consider, look upon (something) in a given way etc.
I always regarded tabloid journalism as a social evil.
He regards honesty as a duty.
I regard such a way of life with distate.
Consider
Give careful consideration to;
Consider the possibility of moving
Regard
To take notice of, pay attention to.
Consider
Take into consideration for exemplifying purposes;
Take the case of China
Consider the following case
Regard
(transitive) To face toward.
Consider
Show consideration for; take into account;
You must consider her age
The judge considered the offender's youth and was lenient
Regard
(transitive) To have to do with, to concern.
Consider
Think about carefully; weigh;
They considered the possibility of a strike
Turn the proposal over in your mind
Regard
To set store by (something), to hold (someone) in esteem; to consider to have value, to respect.
Consider
Judge or regard; look upon; judge;
I think he is very smart
I believe her to be very smart
I think that he is her boyfriend
The racist conceives such people to be inferior
Regard
To keep in view; to behold; to look at; to view; to gaze upon.
Your niece regards me with an eye of favor.
Consider
Look at attentively
Regard
Hence, to look or front toward; to face.
It is peninsula which regardeth the mainland.
That exceedingly beatiful seat, on the ass ent of a hill, flanked with wood and regarding the river.
Consider
Look at carefully; study mentally;
View a problem
Regard
To look closely at; to observe attentively; to pay attention to; to notice or remark particularly.
If much you note him,You offened him; . . . feed, and regard him not.
Consider
Regard or treat with consideration, respect, and esteem;
Please consider your family
Regard
To look upon, as in a certain relation; to hold as an popinion; to consider; as, to regard abstinence from wine as a duty; to regard another as a friend or enemy.
Regard
To consider and treat; to have a certain feeling toward; as, to regard one with favor or dislike.
His associates seem to have regarded him with kindness.
Regard
To pay respect to; to treat as something of peculiar value, sanctity, or the like; to care for; to esteem.
He that regardeth thae day, regardeth it into the LOrd.
Here's Beaufort, that regards nor God nor king.
Regard
To take into consideration; to take account of, as a fact or condition.
Regard
To have relation to, as bearing upon; to respect; to relate to; to touch; as, an argument does not regard the question; - often used impersonally; as, I agree with you as regards this or that.
Regard
To look attentively; to consider; to notice.
Regard
A look; aspect directed to another; view; gaze.
But her, with stern regard, he thus repelled.
Regard
Attention of the mind with a feeling of interest; observation; heed; notice.
Full many a ladyI have eyed with best regard.
Regard
That view of the mind which springs from perception of value, estimable qualities, or anything that excites admiration; respect; esteem; reverence; affection; as, to have a high regard for a person; - often in the plural.
He has rendered himself worthy of their most favorable regards.
Save the long-sought regards of woman, nothing is sweeter than those marks of childish preference.
Regard
State of being regarded, whether favorably or otherwise; estimation; repute; note; account.
A man of meanest regard amongst them, neither having wealth or power.
Regard
Consideration; thought; reflection; heed.
Sad pause and deep regard become the sage.
Regard
Matter for consideration; account; condition.
Regard
Respect; relation; reference.
Persuade them to pursue and persevere in virtue, with regard to themselves; in justice and goodness with regard to their neighbors; and piefy toward God.
Change was thought necessary in regard of the injury the church did receive by a number of things then in use.
In regard of its security, it had a great advantage over the bandboxes.
Regard
Object of sight; scene; view; aspect.
Throw out our eyes for brave Othello,Even till we make the main and the aërial blueAn indistinct regard.
Regard
Supervision; inspection.
Regard
(usually preceded by `in') a detail or point;
It differs in that respect
Regard
Paying particular notice (as to children or helpless people);
His attentiveness to her wishes
He spends without heed to the consequences
Regard
(usually plural) a polite expression of desire for someone's welfare;
Give him my kind regards
My best wishes
Regard
A long fixed look;
He fixed his paternal gaze on me
Regard
The condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded);
It is held in esteem
A man who has earned high regard
Regard
A feeling of friendship and esteem;
She mistook his manly regard for love
He inspires respect
Regard
An attitude of admiration or esteem;
She lost all respect for him
Regard
Deem to be;
She views this quite differently from me
I consider her to be shallow
I don't see the situation quite as negatively as you do
Regard
Look at attentively
Regard
Connect closely and often incriminatingly;
This new ruling affects your business
Common Curiosities
What does "consider" mean?
Consider means to think about something carefully, often with the intention of making a decision.
What does "regard" mean?
Regard means to look at or observe something attentively, or to think of it in a specified way.
Can "consider" involve decision-making?
Yes, "consider" often involves evaluating options with the intention of making a decision.
Is "regard" passive in nature?
"Regard" can be seen as more passive, focusing on observation or existing perceptions, not necessarily leading to action.
Is respect a component of "regard"?
Respect can be a component of "regard," especially when thinking about someone in a positive light.
Is "regard" always about respect?
While "regard" can imply respect or esteem, it also means to observe or think of something in a particular way.
Do both terms imply a deep level of thought?
"Consider" implies a deeper level of analytical thought, whereas "regard" can but doesn't necessarily imply deep contemplation.
Can "consider" be used in place of "think about"?
Yes, "consider" can often be used interchangeably with "think about" in the context of deliberation.
Is "consider" about future actions?
"Consider" often involves thinking about future actions or decisions based on current contemplation.
How do "consider" and "regard" differ in usage?
"Consider" is more about analytical thinking and decision-making, while "regard" is about perception and attitude.
Can "consider" lead to a change in perspective?
Yes, considering something can lead to a new understanding or change in perspective.
How does "consider" relate to choices?
"Consider" is often related to evaluating choices or options before making a decision.
How is "regard" used in professional contexts?
In professional contexts, "regard" is often used to denote respect, acknowledgment, or a particular viewpoint regarding a person or subject.
Does "regard" involve evaluation?
"Regard" can involve evaluation, but it's more about observation and perception than critical assessment.
Can "regard" refer to a way of greeting?
In some contexts, "regard" can refer to expressions of respect or esteem, though it's less common in modern usage.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Insult vs. OffendNext Comparison
Advertising vs. CampaignAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat