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

Munger decided to adjust his life, asking others to read to him and contemplating other steps.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Like a particularly manic solver, he attacks the subject in an across-and-down fashion, here contemplating the impact of AI on the game, there considering what role crossword-style wordplay had on Modernist writers like T.S.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“I don’t want to stay here contemplating decisions while we give the banes of the Eloko enough time to pay us a visit.”

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Or so he told himself, as he sat there contemplating the trip.

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Securities and Exchange Commission is contemplating new limits on proxy advisors.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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