contemplate

[kon-tuh m-pleyt, -tem-]

See more synonyms for contemplate on Thesaurus.com

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

See more synonyms for contemplate on Thesaurus.com

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

Examples from the Web for contemplated

Contemporary Examples

The White House may have contemplated dumping Joe Biden from the ticket.
Where There’s Trouble, You’ll Usually Find Joe Biden
Lloyd Green
October 21, 2014
Lennox got so much hate mail, she contemplated quitting social media altogether.
Annie Lennox Doesn’t Give a Damn What You Think
Itay Hod
October 21, 2014
"For the first time I contemplated my mortality and whether I had accomplished all I wanted," he told me.
Clooney: A Constant Charmer at the Altar
Tim Teeman
September 28, 2014
About eight months after Rosenberg died, Rivers contemplated suicide herself.
Joan Rivers: 'Death Is Like Plastic Surgery'
Tim Teeman
September 4, 2014
Three special operations officials say rescue missions to bring him back were contemplated multiple times over the years.
The Real Reason the U.S. Didn’t Rescue Bowe Bergdahl
Kimberly Dozier
June 5, 2014

Historical Examples

It is contemplated to erect a monument, by subscription, to Mr. Fessenden's memory.
Biographical Sketches
Nathaniel Hawthorne
His eyes glowed steadily as he contemplated this interloper in his domain.
The Leopard Woman
Stewart Edward White
Miriam must not only be contemplated in a new, but unpleasing light.
Female Scripture Biographies, Vol. I
Francis Augustus Cox
Then she stepped back and contemplated the house critically.
Fair Margaret
H. Rider Haggard
For neither he nor Catherine ever contemplated separation or death.
Night and Morning, Complete
Edward Bulwer-Lytton

British Dictionary definitions for contemplated

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

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 contemplated

contemplate

v.

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

contemplate

Origin of .css-1fxfie5{font-size:22px;}@media (max-width:768px){.css-1fxfie5{font-size:18px;margin:0 10px 10px 0;word-break:break-all;word-wrap:break-word;-webkit-hyphens:auto;-moz-hyphens:auto;-ms-hyphens:auto;hyphens:auto;line-height:22px;}}contemplate

Synonyms

Examples from the Web for contemplated

Contemporary Examples

The White House may have contemplated dumping Joe Biden from the ticket.

Lennox got so much hate mail, she contemplated quitting social media altogether.

"For the first time I contemplated my mortality and whether I had accomplished all I wanted," he told me.

About eight months after Rosenberg died, Rivers contemplated suicide herself.

Three special operations officials say rescue missions to bring him back were contemplated multiple times over the years.

Historical Examples

It is contemplated to erect a monument, by subscription, to Mr. Fessenden's memory.

His eyes glowed steadily as he contemplated this interloper in his domain.

Miriam must not only be contemplated in a new, but unpleasing light.

Then she stepped back and contemplated the house critically.

For neither he nor Catherine ever contemplated separation or death.

contemplate

Word Origin

Word Origin and History for contemplated

contemplate

v.

Origin of contemplate