contemplate

American  

[kon-tuhm-pleyt, -tem-] / ˈkɒn təmˌpleɪt, -tɛm- /

verb (used with object)

contemplated, contemplating

1. to look at or view with continued attention; observe or study thoughtfully.

   to contemplate the stars.

   Synonyms:

   survey, regard, behold

2. to consider thoroughly; think fully or deeply about.

   to contemplate a difficult problem.

   Synonyms:

   ponder, study

3. to have as a purpose; intend.

   The District Attorney's office does not contemplate any charges.

   Synonyms:

   plan, design

4. to have in view as a future event.

   to contemplate buying a new car.

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verb (used without object)

contemplated, contemplating

1. to think studiously; consider deliberately; meditate.

contemplate British  

/ -təm-, ˈkɒntɛmˌpleɪt /

verb

1. to think about intently and at length; consider calmly

2. (intr) to think intently and at length, esp for spiritual reasons; meditate

3. to look at thoughtfully; observe pensively

4. to have in mind as a possibility

   to contemplate changing jobs

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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

Explanation

Before you accept a job offer, or a college's offer of admission, you should take time to contemplate the pros and cons of your decision. If you contemplate something, you think about it carefully. Contemplate is from Latin contemplatus, past participle of contemplari "to gaze attentively, observe," from the prefix com- "together" plus templum "temple." The original meaning of Latin contemplari was "to mark out a space for observing auguries or omens," and the temple was a holy space reserved for this purpose.

Example Sentences

At that stage, Strategy was sitting on unrealized losses of almost $5 billion and despite public displays of bravura and a refusal to contemplate selling, the pressure on Strategy’s stock price was relentless.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

Tuchel would no doubt have smiled in satisfaction as this latest example of the elite striker he has at his disposal - and how life without him is impossible to contemplate.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Running out of space to stash crude on land and at sea, Rosneft started to contemplate output cuts, said senior Russian energy officials.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

Investors should contemplate this war’s financial effects just the same.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

In the dark hall, I contemplate my options.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline

Related Words

• aim
• consider
• envisage
• foresee
• intend
• mean
• mull over
• ponder
• propose
• think of
• weigh