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.

The White House is now contemplating an executive order that would grant the government oversight of the most-advanced models.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

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

From Barron's • May 10, 2026

Amid the ongoing preparation for the trial, some sources have alleged that Lively and Reynolds, 49, are contemplating a move overseas in a bid to escape the fallout from the actress’s feud with Baldoni.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

The Old Woman With the Knife is Gu Byeong-mo's story about Hornclaw, a legendary assassin in her 60s contemplating retirement while navigating loneliness.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Eventually I set it aside on the edge of my bed and lie there contemplating it.

From "How It Went Down" by Kekla Magoon

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