contemplating

American

[kon-tuhm-pley-ting, -tem-] / ˈkɒn təmˌpleɪ tɪŋ, -tɛm- /

adjective

observing, studying, or thinking deeply about something.

A stronger spirit and sense of purpose help shift the contemplating mind into a more action-orientated self.

noun

the act of observing, studying, or thinking deeply about something.

After some more contemplating over the last few days, I now know what I'm going to do.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

contemplatingly

adverb

Etymology

Origin of contemplating

First recorded in 1580–90; contemplat(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective; contemplat(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Other veteran “60 Minutes” correspondents, including Lesley Stahl and Bill Whitaker, are said to be contemplating their exits External link.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

It was "impossible not to feel deep sorrow when contemplating the immense suffering and humiliation endured by so many," the Pope wrote, adding that he "sincerely asked for pardon" in the name of the Church.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

The White House is now contemplating an executive order that would grant the government oversight of the most-advanced models.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

At this point, Venegas briefly glances at the rows of books inside the lending library, as if contemplating the vastness of human creativity.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

“I don’t want to stay here contemplating decisions while we give the banes of the Eloko enough time to pay us a visit.”

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023