SAT Vocabulary: Understanding ‘Reconsider’ and Its Importance
Learn about the verb ‘reconsider’, its meaning, usage, and significance in critical thinking. This video explores the word’s history, synonyms, antonyms, and common errors to help you prepare for the SAT and improve your decision-making skills.
Imagine you’re about to make an important decision, but new information comes to light. What do you do?
You reconsider. This critical thinking skill is not only essential in life but also a key vocabulary word for the SAT.
Let’s explore the word reconsider and why it’s so important.
Word type: Reconsider is a verb, meaning it’s an action word.
Meaning: To reconsider means to think about something again, especially in order to make changes to it or to make a different decision about it.
It involves carefully examining a situation, opinion, or decision a second time, often with the intention of changing one’s mind.
Word history: The word reconsider comes from the Latin prefix re, meaning again, and the verb considerare, which means to look at closely or to think carefully about.
The word entered the English language in the early seventeenth century, reflecting the human capacity for reflection and change.
Antonyms: Some antonyms of reconsider include ignore, disregard, overlook, and dismiss. These words represent the opposite of reconsidering, as they involve not giving thought to something or refusing to change one’s mind.
Synonyms: Synonyms for reconsider include reevaluate, reassess, review, rethink, and reexamine. These words all convey the idea of looking at something again with fresh eyes or new information.
Examples use in sentences: After hearing the compelling arguments from both sides, the judge decided to reconsider her initial ruling.
When the weather forecast predicted rain, we had to reconsider our plans for an outdoor picnic. The company will reconsider its expansion strategy in light of the recent economic downturn.
Common errors in use: One common error when using reconsider is confusing it with consider. While consider means to think about something for the first time, reconsider implies thinking about something again.
Another mistake is using reconsider when you mean to say regret. For example, I reconsidered going to the party is incorrect if you mean I regretted going to the party.
The ability to reconsider is a valuable skill in critical thinking and decision-making. It demonstrates flexibility, open-mindedness, and the capacity to adapt to new information or changing circumstances.
As you prepare for the SAT, remember that reconsider is not just a vocabulary word, but a concept that can be applied to your study strategies, test-taking approach, and even your future academic and career choices.
By understanding and using this word correctly, you’re not only improving your vocabulary but also enhancing your ability to think critically and make informed decisions.
