Something of value to either the promisee or the promisor of a contract (usually cash, but also property, a promise to do something or not to do something, and so on) that is given or will be given by the promisee to the promisor in exchange for a performance or a promise of a performance by the promisor. For the contract to be enforceable, the consideration must be something that the promisee, to his or her detriment or loss, is giving up, or something that benefits the promisor. gratuitous ...