Consider vs. Concede — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 15, 2024
Consider involves thinking carefully about something before making a decision, while concede refers to reluctantly accepting something as true or proper after initially resisting it.
Difference Between Consider and Concede
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
When you consider something, you evaluate or think about it carefully, often weighing various factors before reaching a decision. Whereas, to concede means to admit, often unwillingly, that something is true or to give in to an argument or demand.
Considering is a proactive mental process that involves analysis and reflection to form an opinion or make a decision. On the other hand, conceding is typically reactive, occurring after an argument or evidence compels one to acknowledge something they previously disputed.
In decision-making, considering is crucial as it involves looking at the pros and cons and possibly foreseeing outcomes. In contrast, conceding often comes into play in discussions or debates, marking a point where one party agrees to certain points after resistance.
Consideration can remain internal and theoretical, often not leading to immediate external actions. However, conceding usually results in visible changes, such as the alteration of a stance or the acceptance of an opposing viewpoint.
While considering can be seen as a sign of thoroughness and wisdom, conceding often requires humility and is sometimes viewed as a sign of defeat, although it can also be seen as a demonstration of reasonableness and maturity.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
To think about carefully, especially in decisions
To admit something is true, often unwillingly
Purpose
Evaluation and decision-making
Admission or surrender in an argument
Process
Analytical and reflective
Reactive and sometimes reluctant
Outcome
May lead to informed decisions
Results in acceptance of a fact or condition
Associated emotions
Deliberation and contemplation
Often involves humility or resignation
Compare with Definitions
Consider
To take into account or to ponder.
Consider the consequences before acting.
Concede
To grant or yield, typically under pressure.
The company conceded to the demands for higher wages.
Consider
To think about carefully with the intention of making a decision.
He considered all options before choosing a college.
Concede
To admit as true or valid after initial resistance.
She conceded that the argument had some merit.
Consider
To regard or view in a specific way.
She considers herself a pragmatist.
Concede
To acknowledge defeat in a contest.
The politician conceded the election after the results were clear.
Consider
To deliberate about, especially in choices or plans.
They are considering moving to a new city.
Concede
To allow or acknowledge reluctantly.
He finally conceded that he was wrong about the directions.
Consider
To reflect on, especially to assess importance.
He considered his words carefully during the negotiations.
Concede
To surrender or give up something.
In the peace treaty, they conceded territory.
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.
Concede
Admit or agree that something is true after first denying or resisting it
I had to concede that I'd overreacted
‘All right then,’ she conceded
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.
Concede
Surrender or yield (a possession, right, or privilege)
In 475 the emperor conceded the Auvergne to Euric
Consider
To suppose or believe
Considers waste to be criminal.
Considers that the mistake could have been prevented.
Concede
To acknowledge, often reluctantly, as being true, just, or proper; admit
Conceded that we made a mistake.
Consider
To take into account; bear in mind
Her success is not surprising if you consider her excellent training.
Concede
To acknowledge or admit (defeat).
Consider
To show consideration for
Failed to consider the feelings of others.
Concede
To acknowledge defeat in
Concede an election.
Concede a chess match.
Consider
To look at thoughtfully
Considered my shoes and thought they looked worn out.
Concede
To yield or surrender (something owned or disputed, such as land)
Conceded the region when signing the treaty.
Consider
To think carefully; reflect
Give me time to consider.
Concede
To yield or grant (a privilege or right, for example).
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?
Concede
(Sports) To allow (a goal or point, for example) to be scored by the opposing team or player.
Consider
(intransitive) To think about something seriously or carefully: to deliberate.
Concede
To make a concession or acknowledge defeat; yield
The losing candidate conceded after the polls had closed.
Consider
(transitive) To think of doing.
I’m considering going to the beach tomorrow.
Concede
To yield or suffer; to surrender; to grant
I have to concede the argument.
He conceded the race once it was clear he could not win.
Kendall conceded defeat once she realized she could not win in a battle of wits.
Consider
(ditransitive) To assign some quality to.
Consider yourself lucky, but consider your opponent skillful.
I considered the pie undercooked.
Concede
To grant, as a right or privilege; to make concession of.
Consider
(transitive) To look at attentively.
She sat there for a moment, considering him.
Concede
To admit or agree to be true; to acknowledge.
Consider
(transitive) To take up as an example.
Consider a triangle having three equal sides.
Concede
To yield or make concession.
Consider
To debate (or dispose of) a motion.
This body will now consider the proposed amendments to Section 453 of the zoning code.
Concede
(sports) To have a goal or point scored against
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.
Concede
(cricket) (of a bowler) to have runs scored off of one's bowling.
Consider
To believe or opine (that).
Concede
To yield or suffer; to surrender; to grant; as, to concede the point in question.
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.
Concede
To grant, as a right or privilege; to make concession of.
Consider
To look at attentively; to observe; to examine.
She considereth a field, and buyeth it.
Concede
To admit to be true; to acknowledge.
We concede that their citizens were those who lived under different forms.
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.
Concede
To yield or make concession.
I wished you to concede to America, at a time when she prayed concession at our feet.
Consider
To estimate; to think; to regard; to view.
Considered as plays, his works are absurd.
Concede
Admit, make a clean breast of;
She confessed that she had taken the money
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.
Concede
Be willing to concede;
I grant you this much
Consider
To hesitate.
Concede
Give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another
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
Concede
Acknowledge defeat;
The candidate conceded after enough votes had come in to show that he would lose
Consider
Give careful consideration to;
Consider the possibility of moving
Consider
Take into consideration for exemplifying purposes;
Take the case of China
Consider the following case
Consider
Show consideration for; take into account;
You must consider her age
The judge considered the offender's youth and was lenient
Consider
Think about carefully; weigh;
They considered the possibility of a strike
Turn the proposal over in your mind
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
Consider
Look at attentively
Consider
Look at carefully; study mentally;
View a problem
Consider
Regard or treat with consideration, respect, and esteem;
Please consider your family
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to consider something?
To consider means to think about something carefully, often before making a decision or judgment.
What does it mean to concede?
To concede means to admit that something is true or valid after initially denying or resisting it.
What is the relationship between consideration and good decision-making?
Thorough consideration is essential for making informed and balanced decisions.
Is conceding a sign of weakness?
Not necessarily; conceding can be seen as a sign of maturity and understanding, recognizing when to adapt one’s stance.
What are some reasons someone might concede in a discussion?
Reasons include overwhelming evidence, realization of an error, or a desire to end a conflict.
Do all considerations lead to action?
Not always; considerations can sometimes remain theoretical, especially when evaluating hypothetical scenarios.
Is considering a skill that can be improved?
Yes, considering can be improved with practice, reflection, and exposure to diverse situations and decisions.
Can conceding be a strategic move in negotiations?
Yes, conceding can be strategic in negotiations to show flexibility and facilitate a compromise.
How can one improve their ability to consider different perspectives?
By actively listening, seeking diverse viewpoints, and reflecting on the validity of various arguments.
Why might someone avoid conceding in a discussion?
Due to pride, stubbornness, or because they genuinely believe in their stance despite opposing arguments.
How are considering and conceding used in a debate?
In a debate, considering refers to evaluating arguments, whereas conceding involves admitting aspects of the opponent's argument as valid.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Expertise vs. Speciality
Next Comparison
Estancia vs. HaciendaAuthor 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
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
