contemplate

[kon-tuhm-pleyt, -tem-]

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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.

Origin of contemplate

1585–95; < Latin contemplātus past participle of contemplāre, contemplārī to survey, observe, equivalent to con- con- + templ(um) space marked off for augural observation, temple¹ + -ātus -ate¹

Related formscon·tem·plat·ing·ly, adverbcon·tem·pla·tor, nounpre·con·tem·plate, verb, pre·con·tem·plat·ed, pre·con·tem·plat·ing.re·con·tem·plate, verb, re·con·tem·plat·ed, re·con·tem·plat·ing.un·con·tem·plat·ed, adjective

Synonyms for contemplate

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1. gaze at, behold, regard, survey. 2. study, ponder. 3. design, plan.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for contemplate

ponder, foresee, consider, aim, weigh, propose, intend, envisage, mean, notice, examine, speculate, deliberate, study, mind, excogitate, observe, design, expect, percolate

Examples from the Web for contemplate

Contemporary Examples of contemplate

“The idea of Mitch McConnell as the Majority Leader is too bizarre and dark to contemplate [right now],” she said.
Meet the Hollywood Power Couple Who Bet Big on the Midterms—and Lost
Asawin Suebsaeng
November 6, 2014
But the consequences of a nuclear exchange are almost too horrible to contemplate.
ICYMI: India-Pakistan Head for Nuke War
Bruce Riedel
October 20, 2014
As the Cofán shaman blew strongly over the cup, I took those few seconds to contemplate how I had managed to find myself here.
Spirit Tripping With Colombian Shamans
Chris Allbritton
August 24, 2014
“As the day of the operation drew closer, it became more and more painful and frightening to contemplate,” wrote Reeve.
Robin Williams and Christopher Reeve's Epic Friendship and the Greatest Williams Story Ever Told
Marlow Stern
August 12, 2014
When I contemplate God among the dead I find only emptiness and silence.
How Losing My Daughter Changed My Faith
Kyle Cupp
June 15, 2014

Historical Examples of contemplate

Now and then she would stop suddenly to contemplate the vision she had created.
Life and Death of Harriett Frean
May Sinclair
I was resolved that if he did contemplate such injustice, I should put a stop to it.
The Bacillus of Beauty
Harriet Stark
Those who contemplate such a step should pray for God's guidance.
An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism
Joseph Stump
That part of your friend which it is your privilege to contemplate in your adversity.
The Devil's Dictionary
Ambrose Bierce
What a noble end and aim it was to contemplate in the attainment truly!
Life And Adventures Of Martin Chuzzlewit
Charles Dickens

British Dictionary definitions for contemplate

contemplate

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

Derived Formscontemplator, noun

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

Word Origin and History for contemplate

1590s, from Latin contemplatus, past participle of contemplari "survey, observe" (see contemplation). Related: Contemplated; contemplating.