contemplate
[ kon-tuhm-pleyt, -tem- ]
/ ˈkɒn təmˌpleɪt, -tɛm- /
verb (used with object), con·tem·plat·ed, con·tem·plat·ing.
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.
to have in view as a future event: to contemplate buying a new car.
verb (used without object), con·tem·plat·ed, con·tem·plat·ing.
to think studiously; meditate; consider deliberately.
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RELATED WORDS
ponder, foresee, consider, aim, weigh, propose, intend, envisage, mean, notice, examine, speculate, deliberate, study, mind, excogitate, observe, design, expect, percolate
Nearby words
- contemn,
- contemner,
- contemnible,
- contemp.,
- contemplable,
- contemplation,
- contemplative,
- contemplative order,
- contempo,
- contemporaneous
Origin of contemplate
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for contemplate
contemplate
/ (ˈkɒntɛmˌpleɪt, -təm-) /
verb (mainly tr)
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 possibilityto contemplate changing jobs
Word Origin for contemplate
C16: from Latin contemplāre, from templum temple 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
contemplate
1590s, from Latin contemplatus, past participle of contemplari "survey, observe" (see contemplation). Related: Contemplated; contemplating.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper