contemplative
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of contemplative
First recorded in 1300–50; from Latin contemplātīvus, from contemplāt(us) “surveyed, observed” ( see contemplate) + -īvus -ive; replacing Middle English contemplatif, from Anglo-French, from Latin, as above
Explanation
The contemplative life is one filled with deep and serious thought, and is often associated with monks, nuns, philosophers, and theorists. The adjective contemplative means "pensive," "meditative," or "brooding." Contemplative moments, of course, aren't restricted to white-bearded hermits living in caves on mountaintops. You might also hear the word when people are talking about yoga or meditation, as these are quiet activities meant to be thoughtfully performed. Some kinds of poetry and music are described as contemplative, especially if they give you space to daydream or think about their themes. A walk through nature can also be a contemplative activity.
Vocabulary lists containing contemplative
The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 7
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 2
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Contemplative moments in “The Last of Us” ease our connection with these characters and many of the season’s new additions.
From Salon • Apr. 13, 2025
Nonaccredited certifications such as those offered by the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care or the Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico, are also popular.
From Seattle Times • May 15, 2022
The museum has even established a Contemplative Court — with a calming circular waterfall and a sunlit window — to help visitors decompress.
From Washington Times • Sep. 22, 2016
In 2007, Koshin Paley Ellison and Robert Chodo Campbell founded the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care, a nonprofit in Chelsea that offers meditation training and study programs for medical professionals and caregivers.
From New York Times • Sep. 2, 2016
These are the types of the Unglorified Active and Contemplative powers of Man.
From Modern Painters. Vol. III (of V) Containing Part IV. Of Many Things by Ruskin, John
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
