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.

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

Hours before the show’s opening, Baseman was still contemplating what else he could add.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

Increasingly economists are contemplating a scenario where the central bank makes no change to rates.

From Barron's • May 10, 2026

Edmond de Rothschild said it isn’t contemplating a merger or sale.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

And it’s while contemplating this that I think about what the nurse said.

From "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman

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