Reconsiderable

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Capable of being thought about again or reviewed with a possibility for change or different conclusions
2. Subject to a second evaluation or judgment that may alter a prior decision or opinion
3. Able to be reviewed or reexamined, allowing for new considerations or adjustments to an earlier stance

Etymology: The adjective in question is formed by the combination of a base verb with two suffixes that modify its meaning and grammatical function. At its root lies the verb "consider," which comes from the Latin "considerare," meaning "to look at closely" or "to observe carefully." This Latin term itself is believed to derive from "con-" (together) and "sidus, sider-" (star), suggesting the idea of observing the stars carefully, a metaphor for thoughtful examination. From "consider," the formation of "reconsider" adds the prefix "re-," a common Latin-derived prefix meaning "again" or "back." Thus, "reconsider" literally means "to consider again" or "to think over once more." This verb has been part of English since at least the late Middle Ages, reflecting the idea of revisiting a judgment or decision. Turning the verb into an adjective involves adding the suffix "-able," which originates from Latin "-abilis," indicating capability or worthiness. When attached to a verb, it forms adjectives meaning "able to be [verb]-ed." Thus, "reconsiderable" means "able to be reconsidered" or "capable of being thought over again." This layered construction reveals a precise, if somewhat formal, term that emphasizes the possibility or suitability of re-examining something. While not common in everyday speech, it fits neatly into the family of English adjectives that express potentiality, showing how productive English morphology is in creating nuanced meanings from Latin-based roots and affixes.

Synonyms: reviewable, reexaminable, revisable, debatable, questionable

Antonyms: final, irrevocable, unreviewable, unquestionable