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

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.

These are all factors demanding notice from small investors contemplating adding these sectors to their retirement funds.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Quite simply, it is not even worth contemplating from England's viewpoint.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

This is not a documentary feature stuffed with detailed historical context, talking heads contemplating Jacobs’ impact, and stretches of runtime devoted to quietly pondering what legacy looks like in an ephemeral business.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

There's Ishu Gariya, for example, a 20-year-old who after finishing Indian high school was contemplating a university degree and a job in computers.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

“Equality’s good. But equality and sameness are two different things. Sometimes those who say things without really contemplating what it truly means...That dogma runs a thin line.”

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera

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