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.
Nearby words
contd., conte, contemn, contemp., contemplable, contemplate, contemplation, contemplative, contemplative order, contempo, contemporaneous
Origin of contemplate
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for contemplate
British Dictionary definitions 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
Derived Forms
contemplator, nounWord 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