contemplating

[kon-tuhm-pley-ting, -tem-]

adjective

1. 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

1. 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

• contemplatingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of contemplating¹

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

It’s just constant distraction, little something on our faces, so that we’re not ever actually dealing with anything, contemplating anything, being with ourselves.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Even contemplating the fight in these terms risks normalizing all the corruption and abuse that’s taking place throughout our society at the hands of this administration.

Read more on Salon

At the moment, Republicans feel like they are in a position of strength - and are contemplating new ways to increase the pain felt by Democrats.

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Jones was contemplating a hot air balloon to mark their semi-final in Bristol.

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Is it mad on paper for Labour to be even vaguely contemplating changing their leader so soon, without an obvious strong successor, when they ran on a promise of no drama?

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Related Words

• attentive 
• discerning 
• discriminating 
• intelligent 
• mindful 
• perceptive 
• vigilant