0

Similarly, how does one express holding opposing or considering many options about a problem or opinion?

I am trying to concisely express the ability to consider all sides.

Improve this question
4
  • 1
    Do you mean "deliberate"? - To consider (a matter) carefully and often slowly, as by weighing alternatives.
    – user22542
    Mar 1, 2019 at 17:55
  • Concision does not necessarily mean finding a single word to replace a phrase. "We must consider the matter from all sides" is a concise statement.
    – TimR
    Mar 1, 2019 at 18:04
  • Thanks for the clarification about concision. I'd edit if I knew how.
    – Ken
    Mar 1, 2019 at 18:29
  • You're looking to say "We should ________ the matter" where a single verb is placed in the blank, right?
    – TimR
    Mar 1, 2019 at 19:32

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
0

If you put verbs of discussion and thought in the first person, they seem to work. For example, "bandy": "I bandied about the problem."

"Brainstorm", and "puzzle over" also indicate a multi-step process, although not specifically "multi-view".

Also see: Word for seeing both sides of an argument and How to express "to look at more or all sides" and "consider more or all views" for a thing?

Improve this answer
1
  • And there it is! Perfect. "Dialectic - the art or practice of arriving at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments. The process especially associated with Hegel of arriving at the truth by stating a thesis, developing a contradictory antithesis, and combining and resolving them into a coherent synthesis." Thanks!
    – Ken
    Mar 1, 2019 at 19:20
0

Contemplate been the first word to come to my mind, and it's meaning is given in Oxford dictionary as:

VERB

with object

1.1 Think about.

she couldn't even begin to contemplate the future

1.2 ( no object ) Think deeply and at length.

he sat morosely contemplating

Improve this answer
0

Although circumspect is used both colloquially and prosaically to mean "considering something for a long time and delaying taking action; being careful or wary," the etymological roots of the word are circum- which means around and -spect which means to see. So it could be literally translated from its roots to mean seeing around the whole thing.

So actually, circumspection may be one of the literal words for that case, although it has a somewhat different meaning in modern usage.

cir·cum·spec·tion

/ˌsərkəmˈspekSH(ə)n/

noun

noun: circumspection; plural noun: circumspections

the quality of being wary and unwilling to take risks; prudence.

"circumspection is required in the day-to-day exercise of administrative powers"

~ Oxford Dictionary (lexico.com)

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.