contemplate

verb

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

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
ˈkän-təm-ˌplā-tər How to pronounce contemplate (audio)
-ˌtem
noun

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
George Lucas — a longtime friend of Murch’s, with the pair having written Lucas’ first film, THX 1138 — was brought to the London set as the team contemplated replacing Murch. —Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Nov. 2024 In another curious assemblage, a man dressed to the nines contemplates the gorgeous beauty of a Laura Wheeler Waring portrait. —Essence, 5 Nov. 2024 Together, the artists contemplate the Smithsonian as a home for Puerto Rican heritage. —Jacoba Urist, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024 Their agreement contemplated alternative dispute mechanisms, including arbitration, to resolve any contractual conflict. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contemplate 

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

contemplant

contemplate

contemplatingly

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Contemplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contemplate. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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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
-ˌplāt-ər How to pronounce contemplate (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on contemplate

Nglish: Translation of contemplate for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of contemplate for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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