contemplate
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to look at or view with continued attention; observe or study thoughtfully.
to contemplate the stars.
-
to consider thoroughly; think fully or deeply about.
to contemplate a difficult problem.
-
to have as a purpose; intend.
The District Attorney's office does not contemplate any charges.
-
to have in view as a future event.
to contemplate buying a new car.
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to think about intently and at length; consider calmly
-
(intr) to think intently and at length, esp for spiritual reasons; meditate
-
to look at thoughtfully; observe pensively
-
to have in mind as a possibility
to contemplate changing jobs
Other Word Forms
- contemplator noun
- precontemplate verb
- recontemplate verb
- uncontemplated adjective
Etymology
Origin of contemplate
First recorded in 1585–95; from Latin contemplātus, past participle of contemplāre, contemplārī “to survey, observe,” equivalent to con- “with, together” + templ(um) “space marked off for augural observation” + -ātus past participle suffix; con-, temple 1, -ate 1
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 mere existence of a credible nuclear force prevents adversaries from contemplating attacks they would otherwise consider.
Raman said she did not begin seriously contemplating a run for mayor until the following week, as the filing deadline approached.
From Los Angeles Times
The film boldly contemplates the atmosphere of Brontë’s novel with both a straight face and a sense of humor.
From Salon
“In light of these topics, many investors are contemplating if the stock’s momentum is sustainable.”
From MarketWatch
He speculated that scholars and Americans in general were too disheartened by Vietnam to want to contemplate a traumatic rupture like the Civil War.
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.
