Consideration \Con*sid`er*a"tion\, n. [L. consideratio: cf. F. consid?ration.]

1. The act or process of considering; continuous careful thought; examination; contemplation; deliberation; attention.

Let us think with consideration. --Sir P. Sidney.

Consideration, like an angel, came. --Shak.

2. Attentive respect; appreciative regard; -- used especially in diplomatic or stately correspondence.

The undersigned has the honor to repeat to Mr. Hulseman the assurance of his high consideration. --D. Webster.

The consideration with which he was treated. --Whewell.

3. Thoughtful or sympathetic regard or notice.

Consideration for the poor is a doctrine of the church. --Newman.

4. Claim to notice or regard; some degree of importance or consequence.

Lucan is the only author of consideration among the Latin poets who was not explained for . . . the Dauphin. --Addison.

5. The result of delibration, or of attention and examonation; matured opinion; a reflection; as, considerations on the choice of a profession.

6. That which is, or should be, taken into account as a ground of opinion or action; motive; reason.

He was obliged, antecedent to all other considerations, to search an asylum. --Dryden.

Some considerations which are necessary to the forming of a correct judgment. --Macaulay.

7. (Law) The cause which moves a contracting party to enter into an agreement; the material cause of a contract; the price of a stripulation; compensation; equivalent. --Bouvier.

Note: Consideration is what is done, or promised to be done, in exchange for a promise, and ``as a mere advantage to the promisor without detriment to the promisee would not avail, the proper test is detriment to the promisee.'' --Wharton.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)