contemplate

[ kon-tuhm-pleyt, -tem- ]

See 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: The District Attorney's office does not contemplate any charges.
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; consider deliberately; meditate.

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; see origin at con-, temple¹, -ate¹

Other words for contemplate

1	gaze at, behold, regard, survey
2	study, ponder
3	design, plan

See synonyms for contemplate on Thesaurus.com

Other words from contemplate

con·tem·pla·tor, noun
pre·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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use contemplate in a sentence

Passages in which Knox contemplates suicide—and even how she would do it—will surely soften even her staunchest critics.
Revealed: The Softer Side of Amanda Knox | Barbie Latza Nadeau | April 30, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
McMahon, of course, has been closely advising Kilmer as he contemplates a future in politics.
Val Kilmer for Governor? | Lloyd Grove | May 11, 2009 | THE DAILY BEAST
It contemplates the education of every child, regardless of any distinction of society or nature.
Thoughts on Educational Topics and Institutions | George S. Boutwell
A very few words, Sir, will show the nature of this peaceable remedy, and of the lawsuit which South Carolina contemplates.
Select Speeches of Daniel Webster | Daniel Webster
Every law of God contemplates an immediate and an ultimate end.
The Ordinance of Covenanting | John Cunningham

Here, as everywhere, St. Paul contemplates these exclusive opposites as the sole issues of man's life, and of the Gospel ministry.
Expositor's Bible: The Second Epistle to the Corinthians | James Denney
The student of history contemplates the rise and fall of nations and traces the causes which have led to their overthrow.
Beyond | Henry Seward Hubbard

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 possibility: to contemplate changing jobs

Origin of contemplate

C16: from Latin contemplāre, from templum temple 1

Derived forms of contemplate

contemplator, noun

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

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