contemplating

American

[kon-tuhm-pley-ting, -tem-] / ˈkɒn təmˌpleɪ tɪŋ, -tɛm- /

adjective

observing, studying, or thinking deeply about something.

A stronger spirit and sense of purpose help shift the contemplating mind into a more action-orientated self.

noun

the act of observing, studying, or thinking deeply about something.

After some more contemplating over the last few days, I now know what I'm going to do.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

contemplatingly

adverb

Etymology

Origin of contemplating

First recorded in 1580–90; contemplat(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective; contemplat(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Other veteran “60 Minutes” correspondents, including Lesley Stahl and Bill Whitaker, are said to be contemplating their exits External link.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Today, she is contemplating the prospect of US military action on her doorstep.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Griffin himself called the video “creepy and weird,” publicly contemplating pulling out of anchoring a new building at 350 Park Avenue.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

Hours before the show’s opening, Baseman was still contemplating what else he could add.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

She looks as though she is contemplating a painting or reading a sign from far away, squinting just a little.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023