contemplate

verb

con·​tem·​plate ˈkän-təm-ˌplāt How to pronounce contemplate (audio)
-ˌtem-
contemplated; contemplating

transitive verb

1
: to view or consider with continued attention : meditate on
contemplate the vastness of the universe
contemplated the meaning of the poem
2
: to view as likely or probable or as an end or intention
contemplate marriage
contemplated a move to Alaska

intransitive verb

: ponder, meditate
wanted time to just sit and contemplate
contemplator noun
Choose the Right Synonym for contemplate

consider, study, contemplate, weigh mean to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision.

consider may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision.

refused even to consider my proposal

study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae.

study the plan closely

contemplate stresses focusing one's thoughts on something but does not imply coming to a conclusion or decision.

contemplate the consequences of refusing

weigh implies attempting to reach the truth or arrive at a decision by balancing conflicting claims or evidence.

weigh the pros and cons of the case

Examples of contemplate in a Sentence

He contemplated the meaning of the poem for a long time. I'd like some time to just sit and contemplate. She stood and quietly contemplated the scene that lay before her.
Recent Examples on the Web At the same time, the growing body of research has revealed a greater abundance of settlements and cities than had previously been contemplated. Anna Lagos, WIRED, 30 Oct. 2024 The overall research agreement contemplated a number of performance milestone events that were expected to be achieved by the second quarters of 2023, 2024 and 2025. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2024 As Jennifer Lopez has often said about herself, Ben Affleck has not given up on love either, and he’s contemplated dating again. Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024 This dilemma compels some parents, particularly mothers, to contemplate quitting their jobs or cutting back on work hours, severely impeding career growth and further widening gender disparities in the workforce. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contemplate 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contemplate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin contemplātus, past participle of contemplāre, contemplārī "to look at fixedly, observe, notice, ponder," from con- con- + -templāre, -templārī, verbal derivative of templum "space of sky or land delimited orally by an augur, sacred precinct, building consecrated to a deity" — more at temple entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of contemplate was circa 1533

Dictionary Entries Near contemplate

Cite this Entry

“Contemplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contemplate. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

contemplate

verb
con·​tem·​plate ˈkänt-əm-ˌplāt How to pronounce contemplate (audio)
ˈkän-ˌtem-
contemplated; contemplating
1
: to view or consider with careful and thoughtful attention
2
: to have in mind : plan on
contemplating a trip
contemplator noun

More from Merriam-Webster on contemplate

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