contemplating

American  

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

adjective

1. 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.

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noun

1. 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

Among those critics is San José Mayor Matt Mahan, a tech-friendly Democrat who is contemplating a run for governor.

From Los Angeles Times

The problem was in evidence earlier this month at the German armed forces’ “career lounge,” the first port of call in the German capital for people contemplating a military career.

From The Wall Street Journal

A Danish colony until 1953, Greenland gained home rule 26 years later and is contemplating eventually loosening its ties with Denmark.

From Barron's

But the new documents show that the school has been contemplating the possibility of a move for more than a year.

From Los Angeles Times

After contemplating the leap since she was 18, Emily, who works in marketing, said she lived in "constant uncertainty" with her job and visa and struggled to find connections.

From BBC

Related Words

• attentive
• discerning
• discriminating
• intelligent
• mindful
• perceptive
• vigilant