definitions

contemplate

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

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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, contemplate, contemplation, contemplative, contemplative order, contempo, contemporaneous

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 forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for contemplated

British Dictionary definitions for contemplated

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 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 contemplated

contemplate

v.

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

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper