contemplative

[kuhn-tem-pluh-tiv, kon-tuhm-pley-, -tem-]

adjective

1. given to or characterized by contemplation.

   a contemplative mind.

   Synonyms: meditative, reflective, thoughtful

noun

1. a person devoted to contemplation, as a monk.

contemplative

/ -təm-, kənˈtɛmplə-, ˈkɒntɛmˌpleɪtɪv /

adjective

1. denoting, concerned with, or inclined to contemplation; meditative

noun

1. a person dedicated to religious contemplation or to a way of life conducive to this

Other Word Forms

• contemplatively adverb
• contemplativeness noun
• noncontemplative adjective
• noncontemplatively adverb
• noncontemplativeness noun
• uncontemplative adjective
• uncontemplatively adverb
• uncontemplativeness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of contemplative¹

First recorded in 1300–50; from Latin contemplātīvus, from contemplāt(us) “surveyed, observed” ( contemplate ) + -īvus -ive; replacing Middle English contemplatif, from Anglo-French, from Latin, as above

Example Sentences

The volcanic explosion provides a theatrically dramatic precedent for Aguilar’s contemplative composition.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“The Albers’ creative output evokes some mystical idea of live-work balance; it’s easy to imagine them at home, wrapped in the contemplative heat of making things side-by-side.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

At the start, music is mournful but not quite sorrowful, a lightly contemplative jazz-inspired feel anchored by a steel hang drum.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Speaking to Today, McEwan contrasted the contemplative letters of the past - from the likes of Napolean and Darwin - with today's briefer emails, which may miss deeper personal insights.

Read more on BBC

In Butler’s portrait, which Gray took in the 1990s, the influential writer looks contemplatively off into the distance — whether near or far, one can’t be sure.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• introspective 
• meditative 
• pensive 
• reflective 
• thoughtful